This is a perfect pick for nature lovers, and those interested in Japanese spirituality. Put away the guidebook and follow the lead of a landscape designer with over 15 years’ experience. It’s a great way to discover secret local spots that you wouldn’t discover otherwise, and to understand more about the meaning behind zen gardens.

Get insider knowledge on Kyoto’s most magical gardens
Learn fascinating insights from a landscape designer
See multiple temples on one tour, including Nanzen-ji
Exploring Kyoto on foot takes you to places inaccessible by car or bus

What's Included

Walking tour of some of the most magical gardens Kyoto has to offer
Guided narration by a landscape designer with 15 years experience

Each guest will need to bring ¥1,600 in cash for admission tickets
Hotel pickup

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Keage Sta.
Higashikomonozacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0044, Japan
We will meet outside of exit #1 of Keage Station on the Tozai Line.

End point

Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan
We will end in front of Nanzen-ji.

What To Expect

Konchi-in

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Tenjuan

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Nanzen-ji Temple

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

116 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-9 of 116 reviews

Great tour, great guide

Susan_C, May 2024

Andrew has a great depth of knowledge of both the philosophy and construction of rock gardens, and added much to our appreciation and understanding of the gardens and their significance. His tour was the high point of our time in Kyoto.

A must have tour

Orsolya_K, Apr 2024

It was a real eye-opening and insightful experience regarding Japanese aesthetics. If you have any question about Japanese religion, history or gardening, Andrew will surely answer it. He tells not only data but points out correlations too. Andrew's personality proves that he not only preaches but also lives Zen.

Best tour of Kyoto possible

Linda_W, Apr 2024

Through the lens of the Zen garden Andrew brought to life the religion, society, history and culture of Kyoto. He brought our focus to the meaning of the rock gardens so prevalent in Kyoto and the shrines and garden choices. He answered the many questions we had about living in Japan and experiencing it as a foreigner who worked with Japanese gardens. He enriched our trip immeasurably and I’d recommend this tour to everyone visiting this exquisite city.

A Must See Tour

Lauren_H, Apr 2024

Highly recommended for everyone! I’ve completely gained a new perspective on Japanese gardens after the tour. I signed up for the tour to gain insights into key concepts driving Japanese garden design. Andrew was amazing, friendly and I’m super appreciative of the knowledge he shared. While it was raining during our tour, the colors were more vibrant with the variation of green and didn’t cause any hiccups at all.

Fascinating gardens tour with guide Andrew

Sarita_T, Mar 2024

Andrew of AN Design is a remarkable guide. He brought the gardens to life in a way that made them more beautiful and meaningful. On our own, we would never have been able to appreciate the gardens as we did with him. Visiting Gardens in Kyoto was one of our top choices and he made it an unforgettable experience. We did not understand why it was so hard to find this tour on the TripAdvisor site, but we are glad that we did and we highly recommend him.

Excellent and unique tour!

Kyle_O, Nov 2023

This was an excellent and unique tour that added valuable context for our trip. We learned about the gardens, Shintoism, and Buddhism, which are omnipresent in Kyoto. It was fascinating hearing about the meanings behind different garden arrangements. Not to mention, the sites we visited were stunning! Andy was a knowledgeable and calming presence throughout the tour. If you want to better understand the shrines, temples, and gardens that you’ll be stumbling across on your trip to Kyoto, then book this tour!

Excellent informative tour

Clive_H, Oct 2023

Excellent tour! Andy shared lots of information and customised the tour to suit our interests. He stayed late to ensure all our needs and interests were satisfied.

Quiet and informative tour

Erin_H, Feb 2023

Andrew was very informative, and we learned a lot about the history of the gardens and the imagery portrayed in the designs. The location was not crowded, so it was quiet and peaceful.

Fabulous Insights and Inspiration!

Katherine K, Jul 2019

Andrew’s knowledge and passion about landscaping and Zen gardens is incredible! I learned so much about the history and design of gardens, and a lot of interesting tidbits about the culture. These are the kinds of things you’d only learn from an ex-pat who’s been in the country for close to a decade. Very special! It was my first trip to Kyoto and I can’t wait to come back and do more of Andrew’s tours.

Response from Host, Jul 2019

Thank you so much Katherine. It was absolutely my pleasure. I wish you many safe and enjoyable travels in the future and hope to see you in Kyoto again!

From $315.00

per group (up to 4)

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)

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What's Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

End point

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveler Photos

Reviews

From $315.00

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