安
an:
quiet,
contented,
Peaceful

This is The Kyoto You came For. The Spiritual, Insightful one.

Travel Deep Into The Heart Of Japan For An authentic and unforgettable Journey Into Japanese Aesthetics, History, And World View.

Your Whole Perception Of Kyoto Will Be Profoundly Different Afterwards.

Kyoto, The Ancient Capital:

The spiritual heart of Japan, one of the true power spots of this world- you will witness Kyoto’s exquisiteness and elegance at every turn of your head. Experiencing layer upon layer of subtle complexities, as your time comes to an end here you may certainly feel that you only scratched the surface of this ancient capital.

Living in Kyoto for just about 10 years, I have come to fully believe that by spending one's precious time here visiting only the "must see" sites written about in the guidebooks, it is hardly possible to experience the beauty, serenity and deep spiritual nature of this town. Of course the well-known sites are exquisite and have deep cultural significance, but the crowded and noisey atmosphere that has come to exist in them is hardly appealing, let alone enjoyable.

By visiting lesser-known, but nonetheless stunning sites that are far off the usual tourist route, we can immerse ourselves in the overwhelmingly powerful, mystical nature of Kyoto. The experience we will share will feel less like a tour and more like a meaningful day considering design, philosophy and history while visiting amazing locations of harmony and beauty.

With An Design
You will:

  • Transport back in time and learn about the historical context of the cultural treasures you inhabit.

  • Be provided detailed explanations of the design aspects of the sites we visit.

  • Experience the sites you visit on a much deeper level than if you would have done so on your own.

  • Explore places not visited by most travelers.

  • Spend time away from the dense crowds that seem unavoidable.

  • Indulge in an experience which points directly to the true nature of Kyoto.

Message From Your Host:

“When you return home I hope you genuinely have in your heart a feeling of profound awe and inspiration as you reflect on your days here in Kyoto.”

Hello, I am a landscape designer/builder, living in Kyoto for the last 9 years. In my time here, I have worked in traditional Japanese garden companies building and maintaining some of Kyoto's awe-inspiring gardens.

Regularly having maintained the gardens at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Taisha and countless Kyoto residences has given me insights into Japanese gardening and culture that few outsiders have had the chance to obtain. I am also the only foreigner to graduate from the Kyoto Japanese Garden Association Cooperative Training Program.

Drawing on my 11 years of experience as a landscape designer in the U. S. A. prior coming to Japan, my time spent working in the traditional garden industry in Kyoto, and my self-studies in Eastern philosophy since as long as I can remember, I am able to provide experiences for my guests that are unique and from the heart.

Available for half-day, full-day, and multi-day tours, I hope I can lead you on an enchanting and introspective outing while helping you to better understand this enigmatic country of Japan.

Respectfully,

Andrew William