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Kyoto: The Path Less Traveled (Private)
5.0
5 Ratings
Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s hidden gems on a private tour. Explore serene Zen gardens, historic shrines, and savor traditional cuisine away from the crowds.
Discover Kyoto’s hidden gems on a private tour. Explore serene Zen gardens, historic shrines, and savor traditional cuisine away from the crowds.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Konchi-in - Step into another world as you view high-level architecture, gardens, statuary, and paintings in a very tranquil setting far away from the masses.
- Tenjuan Garden - At this temple you will spend time in two profound gardens, one of which when entered, gives the sensation of suddenly entering into a forest and having stumbled upon a…
- Konchi-in - Step into another world as you view high-level architecture, gardens, statuary, and paintings in a very tranquil setting far away from the masses.
- Tenjuan Garden - At this temple you will spend time in 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.
- Heian Shrine - Although Heian Jingu is a popular tourist site, surprisingly very few visitors enter into the garden behind the shrine. You will spend time here in one of the most picturesque gardens in all of Kyoto walking through a sequence of pond gardens.
- Chishaku-in - This hardly-visited garden will transport your mind to far-away lands. Also on display are sliding door paintings by one of Japan’s most heralded painters.
- Sanjusangendo Temple - This temple is one of the oldest structures in Kyoto and home to 1,001 jaw-dropping golden Buddha. There is nothing like this in all of Japan.
- Toyokuni Shrine - You will enter into a very decadent shrine dedicated to one of the most pivotal samurai in Japan’s history. On the grounds you will see the largest bell in Japan
- Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Museum - The converted home of a noted 20th century master potter, this museum is a fine example of the wabi sabi way of design and living. You will surely notice that this space will be unlike any other that you visit in Kyoto.
What's Included
- Guide Service
- Guide Service
What's Not Included
- Each guest is required to bring an additional 1,500 yen (cash) for lunch
- Each guest is required to bring an additional 1,000 yen (cash) for transportation.
- Admission fees
- Each guest is required to bring an additional 1,500 yen (cash) for lunch
- Each guest is required to bring an additional 1,000 yen (cash) for transportation.
- Admission fees
Additional Information
Get away from the crowded tourist sites and indulge on a private tour of some of Kyoto’s most enchanting spaces. In a town whose history spans over 1,300 years, there are far more than just the “Top 10” that are worth visiting!
Quiet Zen gardens, high ranking shrines, a local traditional lunch, a folk art museum and 1,001 Golden Buddha statues. This…
Get away from the crowded tourist sites and indulge on a private tour of some of Kyoto’s most enchanting spaces. In a town whose history spans over 1,300 years, there are far more than just the “Top 10” that are worth visiting!
Quiet Zen gardens, high ranking shrines, a local traditional lunch, a folk art museum and 1,001 Golden Buddha statues. This experience will introduce you to a world far away from the busy tourist sites, where you will spend peaceful moments getting to know the true nature of Kyoto.
Note: Depending on our pace, all of the sites on this route may not be able to be visited. If the situation arises where we have to eliminate one or more of the sites the guest will determine what is eliminated.
Location
Keage Sta.
We will meet outside of exit 1 of Keage Station on the Tozai Line.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Vivianmz555oi
Mar 19, 2025
A pleasurable exploration of Kyoto gardens - I've visited Kyoto for over 30 years - Andrew's tour is the most insightful and worthwhile experience I've had here. I love gardens and - on my own - I have visited and admired the famous gardens of Kyoto. After taking Andrew's tour, my appreciation and understanding of the gardens has deepened immeasurably. He explained the historical, philosophical and symbolic context of each of the four gardens we visited. His communication style is both approachable and nuanced. All of us, from 19 to 70, came away with a pleasurable experience and a better understanding of these garden treasures.

Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dormarie
Oct 2, 2024
Amazing unique tours and a gem of a person and guide--Andrew's tours are perfect. - On our third trip to Kyoto, wasn't sure we needed "another" tour, but am so glad we booked 2 different half day tours with Andrew. Also wasn't sure I would have a great time since Zen gardens have only held minimal interest for me. Changed our outlooks completely--Wow!! He took us to places away from the crowds, unique places that we hadn't discovered before. Andrew is so knowledgeable and kind, present in the moment so that the two afternoons with him were the highlight of our Japan trip. Andrew immerses you in the place and time and helped create meaningful memories for us. Even gave us super useful tips for other great restaurants and visits in Kyoto, as well as other recommendations for other cities. If you want unique, tailored and fun and informative where you're don't feel like you're just listening to a script, then book Andrew. If I could give him 100/100 stars I would.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jasonplaintext
Aug 19, 2022
The most unique and unforgettable tour of Kyoto - I’ve been visiting Kyoto for almost twenty years but experienced more on one tour with Andrew than in all the rest of my time there. The experience was unique. It’s not simply that he’s a talented guide and can explain and explore the significance of what you’ll see. He’s one of the very few foreigners professionally trained in traditional garden design and construction in Kyoto and he has worked for or advised many of the people that maintain them.
What’s so unique is that he's so aligned and grounded in his community that a tour with him is more like a day in the life that fills and sustains these places, a gentle walk leading to unforgettable moments.
I’m not 'into Zen' and I never expected anyone could guide me through all the superficial beauty of the temples and gardens of Kyoto to a much deeper feeling of my own presence in the traditions that they represent.
I think that the real must-see wherever you travel is that sometimes elusive experience of yourself 'being there' and if you're in Kyoto that's where Andrew can take you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Virginiafoodie7
Mar 19, 2020
Once in a Lifetime Experience in Kyoto - My husband and I had the most unique, serene and extraordinary experience with Andrew on our private Zen Garden/Compassionate Buddhas tour! Andrew himself is extremely knowledgeable about the temples and shrines we visited, as well as humbly imparting learning about Zen or Shinto philosophy at each site. Andrew chose places to visit that were quiet and off the beaten path and patiently pointed out natural elements in the gardens that we would have missed without his professional eye and guidance. His understanding and respect for the Japanese culture helped us to fully engage with what we were seeing and experiencing.
The pacing of the day, though packed full of incredible experiences, felt perfect due to the calm way Andrew has about him.
We give Andrew and The Path Less Traveled our highest recommendation. We have traveled widely and count this tour in Kyoto among our best tours around the globe. Don’t miss it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
