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

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!

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.

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.

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.