Zen Garden, Zen Mind – KYOTO

Tour summary

This experience is designed to go to the heart of the physical beauty that surrounds us and even “something deeper”. While 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.

In detail

You will visit…
Konchi-in, Nanzenji Sanmon, Tenju-an, Nanzen-ji Hatto, Nanzen-ji Suirokaku, and Nanzenji

The qualified gardener in Kyoto will guide you to these temples with sophisticated explanations that give you deeper understanding.
The meeting point is Keage Subway Station which is close to Nanzenji temple.
It’s an outside activity so you’d better bring sunblock cream, hats, sunglasses or umbrellas, raincoats if necessary.
You may wear comfortable shoes.
Please hydrate yourself during a tour.

Included Sites

Konchi-in

A temple so closely connected to a central figure in Japanese history that 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. As we spend time in this temple all worldly stresses will fade away.

Nanzen-ji Sanmon

One of the largest temple gates in all of Japan and one of the major architectural landmarks of Kyoto. Remarkably very few metal nails or screws were used in it’s construction. It is impossible to not get lost in your thoughts as you marvel at the technical genius necessary to create such a masterpiece.

Tenju-an

We arrive at the “Hermitage of the Heavenly Teacher”. This temple contains 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 Hatto

The Hatto is the central structure of the Nanzen-ji monastery and is where formal events and official Buddhist ceremonies are held. We will have a chance to have a look into the massive space and view a powerful image on the ceiling.

Nanzen-ji Suirokaku

This aqueduct is part of a canal system that was constructed to carry water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa in neighboring Shiga Prefecture. As we spend time under this architectural giant we will no doubt contemplate why in the world such a thing exists here in this monastery!

Nanzen-ji

The head temple of this monastery, tucked into the base of the Higashiyama mountain range. Home to what seems like a never-ending collection of magnificent courtyard gardens and paintings, this is one of the finest examples of high level traditional Japanese art in all of Kyoto. There is no way one can leave here without being thoroughly impressed.

Your Host

Andrew William

One of the only foreigners to obtain certification from the Kyoto Zouen Kumiai Kunrenko, a prestigious gardener training program taught by many of Kyoto’s garden masters and industry elites.

Grew up in Washington D.C. area with deep interests in Eastern philosophy, nature and art. He came to Kyoto to learn the traditional techniques of Japanese garden design and construction from the masters.

Location

Meeting point: Outside of exit 1 of Keage Station

More information

FIT / Group	Both
Min. and Max. # of Participants	1 min / 6 max (Ask for more PAX)
What is Included in the Price	Guide service Temple admission tickets included
Duration	3.5 hours
Start/End Time	9:00 – 12:30 or 13:30 – 17:00
Meeting / Departing Point	Outside of exit 1 of Keage Station
Notes: dietary restrictions, age limit. etc.	– Bring water and snacks if necessary. – Guides cannot accompany them for business reasons.
Cancellation Policy	14 days – 8 days prior: 20% 7 days – 4 days prior: 50% 3 days – on the day: 100%