Kyoto: The Path Less Traveled (Private) | 8 hours

3 Reviews | Kyoto
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Kyoto: The Path Less Traveled (Private)
2 Adults x $575.00
$1,150.00
Approx Total
$1,150.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Guide Service
  • Each guest is required to bring an additional 4,000 yen (cash) for admission tickets
  • 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.

Overview

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.

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

Kawai Kanjiro's House
Japan, 〒605-0875 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 五条坂 鐘鋳町５６９

Open in Google Maps

We will end outside of the Kawai Kanji Memorial House. It is a 5 minute walk to Umamchi Bus Stop.

Itinerary

  • 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.

    1 hour

  • 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.

    1 hour

  • 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.

    1 hour

  • 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.

    1 hour

  • 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.

    1 hour

  • 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

    20 minutes

  • 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.

    1 hour

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

June 19100% refund
June 20No 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

3 reviews

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

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 3 reviews with 5 stars

A pleasurable exploration of Kyoto gardens

Published on Mar, 2025

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. 

Amazing unique tours and a gem of a person and guide--Andrew's tours are perfect.

Published on Oct, 2024

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.

Amazing unique tours and a gem of a person and guide--Andrew's tours are perfect.

Published on Oct, 2024

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.

The most unique and unforgettable tour of Kyoto

Published on Aug, 2022

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.

The most unique and unforgettable tour of Kyoto

Published on Aug, 2022

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.

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