Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private) | 3 hours 30 minutes

119 Reviews | Kyoto
From $375.00 per group Lowest Price Guarantee
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Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)
2 Adults x $375.00
$750.00
Approx Total
$750.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • 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

Overview

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 is designed to go to the heart of that "something deeper". While occupying 3 temples of the Nanzen-ji Monastery, 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. As you will undoubtly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are here, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience in Kyoto one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.

Meeting points

Keage Sta.
Higashikomonozacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0044, Japan

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We will meet outside of exit #1 of Keage Station on the Tozai Line.

End point

Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan

Open in Google Maps

We will end in front of Nanzen-ji.

Itinerary

  • Konchi-in

    A sub-temple of Nanzen-ji.

    1 hour

  • Tenjuan Temple

    A sub-temple of Nanzen-ji.

    1 hour

  • Nanzen-ji Temple

    The head temple of the Nanzen-ji Zen Monastery.

    1 hour

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

June 11100% refund
June 12No refund

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

119 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    119
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 119 reviews with 5 stars

Focused on traditions...

Published on Mar, 2025

Focused on traditions behind Japanese gardens; also basics about Shinto and Buddhist traditions and practices. Andrew was excellent, highly knowledgeable with a Master’s in landscape architecture and a personal interest in the philosophy and spiritual elements behind them

A must do in Kyoto!

Published on Mar, 2025

This tour with Andrew was the highlight of our tours in both Tokyo and Kyoto! He took us to places that were unique with less tourist traffic and we learned so much about Zen Buddhism and garden design that we would have never known. Highly highly recommend adding to your itinerary in Kyoto as it added so much to our experience and perspective!

A Peaceful & Insightful Zen Experience with Andrew

Published on Jan, 2025

Our Zen Garden, Zen Mind tour in Kyoto with Andrew was an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese Zen culture. From the moment we started, Andrew’s deep knowledge and passion for Zen philosophy, Kyoto’s history, and traditional gardens made the experience both enlightening and calming. He guided us through some of Kyoto’s most serene Zen gardens, explaining the symbolism behind the meticulously placed rocks, raked sand, and seasonal plantings. His storytelling and thoughtful insights helped us appreciate not just the beauty of these gardens, but also the meditative principles behind them. Andrew’s warm and engaging personality made the tour even more enjoyable. He encouraged us to slow down, observe, and truly embrace the tranquility of each space. The experience felt less like a standard tour and more like a meaningful cultural immersion. If you’re looking for a unique, peaceful, and educational experience in Kyoto, we highly recommend this tour with Andrew. It’s the perfect way to step away from the crowds and connect with the essence of Zen.

Mindfulness trip in Kyoto’s ZEN garden! Must join!

Published on Jan, 2025

It’s super WONDERFUL! Really happy I made this decision to join this tour in my last day in Kyoto. Andrew is good and knowledgeable for garden, plants, and most importantly ZEN culture in Japan. You may not have time to take photo to try to keep memories in the future but you do enjoy every moments together with Andrew and listen his introduction and stories. Highly recommend for the people who don’t like crowded tour trips by photo visualize temple, shrine but really want to understand the culture inside and what spiritual mind from these temples, stones, gardens. All include ZEN master’s teach. It feels your soul be purified and enjoy happiness with Andrew.

Essential Tour for Kyoto’s Most Intriguing Sites

Published on Nov, 2024

This was one of the best tours I have done anywhere, on any subject. Andrew has deep knowledge of the design principles for Zen gardens, but also shared insights on Zen philosophy, Japanese history, and contemporary life in Kyoto. Highly recommended.

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