Private tour in Kyoto Andrew W
5.0
(19) reviews
7 hours
1
7 hours
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Andrew W.
5.0
Guide rating
64
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
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This is the Kyoto you came for. The spiritual, insightful one. Travel deep into the heart of Japan for an authentic and unforgettable journey into Japanese aesthetics, history, and world view. Your whole perception of Kyoto will be profoundly different afterwards. Drawing on my 12 years of experience as a landscape designer in the U. S. A. , 5 years working in the traditional garden industry in Kyoto, and my self-studies in Eastern philosophy since as long as I can remember, I am able to provide experiences for my guests that are unique and from the heart. Living in Kyoto for 15+ years, I have come to fully understand that by limiting one's precious time here to visiting only the "must see" sites, one can hardly experience the beauty, serenity and deep spiritual nature of this town. Unless your idea of an enjoyable time is fighting through dense crowds, endless souvenir shops and noisy surroundings, I'd really recommend steering clear of most of the "must-see's" all together. By visiting lesser known but nontheless stunning sites that are far off the usual tourist route, we can immerse ourselves in the exquisite and mystical nature of Kyoto. The experience we will share will feel less like a tour and more like a meaningful day considering design, philosophy and history while visiting amazing locations of harmony and beauty. Available for half-day, full-day, and multi-day tours, I hope I can lead you on an enchanting and introspective outing while helping you to better understand this enigmatic country of Japan. Over 1,350 5-star reviews on various travel websites. Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture. 5 years experience working in traditional Kyoto garden companies. Certificate of Graduation from the Kyoto Japanese Gardener Training Program. 12 years professional experience working in garden design/ build in the U.S.A. As we travel through the town we will utilize public transportation, taxis or walk. As I am not a driver, I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Andrew W.
***Beginning January 1, 2025 Otagi Nenbutsuji will be closed on Wednesdays. Another temple will be substituted for this temple on tours booked on Wednesdays. We head to Arashiyama- a small town in western Kyoto where I lived early on in my time living in Japan. This is one of the most wonderful areas to get close to nature while spending time at a range of eclectic sites that are not filled with tourists. Strolling down the hillside, we will have the chance to see over 1, 000 stone Buddhas on a hillside at a temple where I am close friends with the head monk, a burial ground that goes back to ancient times, a temple founded by two former geisha, a former villa of a famous actor with a sprawling garden, a bamboo grove, and the first Zen garden dating back to the 1200's. In between we will browse shops filled with handmade goods and enjoy a delicious lunch paired with traditional sweets. The day ends with a walk along the river to take in the iconic view of Arashiyama.
Andrew showed us so much that we would not have seen if we’d have visited this area on our own. He shared such beautiful places and took us for authentic food and drink. Andrew is passionate about the environment and cares deeply about the real meaning of the gardens and the philosophical dimension. A lovely experience!
Our day (in the rain) with Andrew exceeded all our expectations. Andrew's spirituality, his knowledge and his passion for nature greatly enhanced our experience of the magnificent landscape, the temples, gardens, cemeteries and other locations . Due to his perspectives we were able to see and understand so much more when subsequently visiting other Kyoto temples and gardens.. Andrew's thoughtfulness also extended to the spots he chose to stop for a hot drink or a meal. And he is also a genuinely nice person to spend a day with. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
Our family of four spent a wonderful day with Andrew as our very knowledgeable guide. Andrew does, indeed, deliver for visitors seeking a deeper, more meaningful exploration of Japanese culture. We covered so many topics (bamboo forest health, landscape maintenance, religion, generational transitions, etc.), explored sights far beyond the crowds, dined at a wonderfully local establishment, and learned so very, very much.
Andrew William is an American guide who has lived exclusively in Japan for many many years. He also speaks Japanese fluently. his knowledge about religion, art and culture, including Zen. Gardening is unsurpassed. It is very easy to feel an immediate can ship with Andrew, which made our two day guided tour with him extremely special. We give our highest recommendations for Andrew to any guest, visiting Kyoto Andrews home city.
You can easily go with the hordes along Kyoto, but you won't get a nice or deeply cultural experience. Despite being a foreigner, Andrew has lived for quite a few years in Japan, knows, understands and feels the Japanese culture. He is an amazing guide who will take you to the way less crowded but still deeply interesting places. He is a landscape architect so you'll end up with a perfect idea of all when, where and why japanese gardens are so beautiful. You won't regret it, book a private tour with him
This was my favourite day in Japan. We are a group of 5 women with different interests and we all had an amazing day. Thanks so much to Andrew. I hope to come back for another tour with him.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: What we will find at this temple is something you will not find anywhere else in Kyoto. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji: A very sacred place connecting to the ancestors of this community. The Atago Kaido: A former pilgrimage route, lined with traditional shops. Okochi Sanso Villa: A spralwing estate that took 30 years to complete. Gio-ji: A small, but impactful space on the edge of a bamboo grove. Sagano Bamboo Grove: If we are lucky the wind will be blowing and we will hear the clanking of bamboo. Tenryu-ji: The original Zen garden on the grounds of an immaculate temple. Togetsukyo Bridge: One of the iconic images of Kyoto. (Depending on our pace, all sites may not be able to be visited in the alotted time. If the situation arises that some sites need to be eliminated, the guests will decide where we will not visit. )
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
With the exception of one short taxi ride at the very beginning, this is a walking experience.
京都市, 京都府, 616-8384, Japan
Outside of ticket gate at Randen Arashiyama Station
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7 hours
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7 hours
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