Private tour in Kyoto Andrew W
5.0
(26) reviews
3 hours
30 minutes
1
3 hours
30 minutes
1
Andrew W.
5.0
Guide rating
64
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
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 Japanese garden defies quick and easy understanding. As we move in awe through one of these masterpieces we can feel that there is something deeper than just the physical beauty that surrounds us. This experience will go to the heart of that "something deeper". While getting away from the crowds and occupying some of Kyoto's most magical and sacred spaces that artists, nobles, and Zen monks created hundreds of years ago, you will hear in-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens that you would never learn about otherwise. The Japanese garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound art-- amazing living and breathing sculptures nestled within the larger landscape of Kyoto. As you will undoubtedly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are in Japan, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.
Very thoughful commentary and insights from Andrew on the philosopy and practice of Japanese garden design as well as the practice of Zen. Expertly delivered and paced, providing ample time to soak in and appreciate the wonderful gardens and the context in which they were designed.
Our afternoon with Andrew was the highlight of our time in Kyoto. His knowledge of the history of and significance of the temples and gardens deepened our appreciation of their beauty and made them come to life. Also helpful was Andrew's insight into modern Japanese culture. We loved our afternoon and highly recommend!
Our tour with Andrew was delightful. He took us to the less touristy temples, so we could appreciate the serenity. We really appreciated his knowledge of zen gardens. It left us with a much deeper appreciation of the art.
Andrew did a terrific garden tour for us! It was a highly informative, rich experience. Of all the tours we did during our stay, his was one of the best. Learning about the symbolism behind Japanese garden design was fascinating and made other walks through gardens in and around Kyoto more enjoyable.
Wonderfully informative and eye-opening tour of Japanese temple gardens and landscapes. We learned so much that I wish we were able to do this tour at the beginning of our trip. We would have had a deeper understanding and appreciation for what we saw at the temples. Andrew has a working knowledge of not only the physical work needed to maintain the gardens but he also has stories and lore about the gardens and a deep appreciation of them that he was able to pass on to us. Highly recommend.
Andrew is an extraordinarily terrific guide! He is very knowledgeable about the religious and philosophical aspects of Buddhism and especially about the nuances of Zen Gardens. Andrew made the gardens come alive for us as he explained their historical and spiritual meanings, and helped us to really experience and appreciate their beauty. He is articulate, personable and very open to questions. We felt lucky to have gone on this tour with Andrew and cannot recommend him highly enough!
Konchi-in: A temple so closely connected with a central figure in Japanese history, there is a shrine dedicated to him on the grounds. This temple is a tour with-in a tour as it has all elements one could hope to see: high-level architecture, gardens, statuary, paintings and the aforementioned shrine. 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. Nanzen-ji: The head temple of this monastery, home to what seems like a never-ending collection of magnificent courtyard gardens and paintings.
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.
Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0044, Japan
Outside of exit #1 of Keage Station (T9 on the Tozai Line)
English
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3 hours
30 minutes
1
3 hours
30 minutes
1
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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