Private tour in Kyoto Andrew W
5.0
(9) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Andrew W.
5.0
Guide rating
64
Reviews
Tours delivered
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.
In planning your trip to Kyoto, you could be mistaken for thinking that there are only a handful of sites worth visiting in this town. You've probably noticed that Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, the Bamboo Forest, Nishiki Market, and Nijo Castle and a couple other sites seem to be part of every tour that you might come across on the internet. In a town whose history spans over 1, 300 years, there are far more than just the "Top 10" that are worth visiting! Quiet Zen gardens, antique browsing, a traditional lunch, sweets, a folk art museum and the longest wooden building in Japan filled with 1, 001 Golden Buddha statues. This experience will introduce you to a world far away from the busy tourist sites, where we will spend peaceful moments getting to know the true nature of Kyoto. Note: Depending on our pace, all of the sites on this route may not be able to be visited. If the situation arises where we have to eliminate one or more of the sites the guest will determine what is eliminated.
Andrew was the perfect guide to visit magnificent gardens in Kyoto. He is very knowledgeable about culture, religion, history and we learned a lot about Kyoto from him. We highly recommend him. The only thing that we were not satisfied with is the price we paid: close to one thousand canadian dollars for a day is a bit much.
I love gardens and - on my own - I've visited and admired several of the famous gardens of Kyoto. After taking Andrew's tour, my appreciation and understanding of the gardens has deepened immeasurably. He explained the historical, philosophical and symbolic context of each of the four gardens we visited. His communication style is both approachable and nuanced. All of us, from 19 to 70, came away with a pleasurable experience and a better understanding of these garden treasures.
Our time with Andrew was a gift. We learned so much and had a lovely time with him. The breadth of his knowledge of Japanese gardens, history and Buddhism is stunning, and his ability to communicate it and make it interesting is unparalleled. Our onlyregret was that he was so booked up we couldn't get another day with him. Don't hesitate.
Andrew was perfect. This is the Kyoto I came for, those places that convey the soul of this amazing city. Andrew conveys the depth of the history of the gardens, the spirituality and the meanings with a calmness that I have taken with me. The day had a great variety from the very peaceful Konchi-in temple, TenJuan gardens in their autumn glory to the never to be forgotten Sanjusangendo temple. Andrew's knowledge and respect for the subject is evident and he is a must book on the next visit to Kyoto
With Andrew, "Path less travelled" does not mean "lesser." We first visited a small temple with a large traditional garden—one which would usually illicit "that's nice" and a quick glance. We sat down and Andrew explained the meanings of the various elements of the garden—rocks, trees, and patterns in the sand. The same occurred when we visited a larger temple—sans crowds—where we happened upon Monks performing a Buddhist memorial service. Our day was thought-provoking and well-paced. Highly recommended.
We spent 3 delightful days with Andrew and appreciated the low-key pace and balance of each of his well-planned tour experiences. (We also enjoyed Descending Arashiyama and Tea & Monks.) As a landscape architect, he has a unique perspective on gardens, along with thorough knowledge of history and traditions. This particular tour offers a lot of variety, including some sites that are less touristy and well worth seeing, such as the house of the famous potter, Kawai Kanjiro.
Konchi-in: High-level architecture, gardens, statuary, and paintings in a very tranquil setting far away from the masses. Tenju-an: A temple containing two profound gardens, one of which when entered, gives the sensation of suddenly entering into a forest and having stumbled upon a fairy tale world Shinmonzen Antique Alley: One of the best kept secrets in Kyoto. Visiting here is like browsing through art museums without the entrance fees. And everything is for sale. The Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House: The converted home of a noted 20th century master potter, this museum is a fine example of the wabi sabi way of design and living. Chishaku-in: This hardly-visited garden will transport your mind to far-away lands. Also on display are sliding door paintings by one of Japan's most heralded painters. Kanshundo: One of the oldest tea houses in Kyoto where we can enjoy traditional sweets. Sanjusangendo: One of the oldest structures in Kyoto, home to 1, 001 jaw-dropping golden Buddha
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.
This is a walking experience with some public transportation or taxi usage.
Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0044, Japan
Outside of exit #1 of Keage Station (T9 on the Tozai Line)
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8 hours
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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 20% deposit!
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