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Private tour in Kyoto Andrew W
Rocks and Sand: A Zen Garden Exploration (Kyoto Full-Day Tour)
5.0
(2) reviews
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8 hours
1
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8 hours
1
Andrew W.
5.0
Guide rating
64
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4 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.
"The infinite is the infinite of every instant."
Overview of your Kyoto tour
Stone gardens represent an idealized environment-the world as it should be, with all the right balances and dynamics firmly in place. Our minds are nourished as we spend time in an atmosphere like no other we have ever experienced. But the beauty and depth of these gardens, which perfectly blend art and nature, can only be fully revealed when such elements, concepts and representations that are found in them are understood. Led by a trained landscape designer that has worked in the gardens of Kyoto, you will get away from the crowds and occupy some of Kyoto's most magical and sacred spaces. In-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens will be provided as we tour the gardens of two of Kyoto's most prominent Zen monasteries, Nanzen-ji and Daitoku-ji. The Japanese stone garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound and high art. Once the day is finished you undoubtedly will never look at rocks, trees, moss, sand and water in the same way again.
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
Konchi-in: High-level architecture, immaculate gardens, statuary, paintings and a prominent shrine. This temple is like a tour within a tour. Tenju-an: One of the gardens of this temple gives the sensation of suddenly entering into a forest and having stumbled upon a fairy tale world. Nanzen-ji: Home to what seems like a never-ending collection of magnificent courtyard gardens and paintings. (Lunch Break) Ryogen-in: One of the gardens here contains a miniature representation of a mythical mountain in Buddhism which is said to be the center of the universe. Zuiho-in: A temple containing one of the masterpieces of the most well-known modern Japanese garden designers, Shigemori Mirei. Daisen-in: Simply put, one of the most well-known stone gardens in the world. We will witness painting as garden, garden as painting. If available, we can also enjoy a bowl of matcha. Ichikawa: A sweets shop that has been in business for 1, 000 years.
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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.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking experience.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0044, Japan
Outside of exit #1 of Keage Station (T9 on the Tozai Line)
Other details
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Languages
English
JapaneseActivity level
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Traveller reviews for this private tour in Kyoto
2 reviews
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8 hours
1
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8 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
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