Sakamoto

Online tour
coming Winter 2020

DESCRIPTION:
The Setting
To the east of Kyoto, in neighboring Shiga prefecture, there is a town called Sakamoto. This is where monks would come down from Mt. Hiei to rest and recharge in-between long bouts of very intense training. Sakamoto has very much retained the historic and agricultural landscape reminiscent of years past.

Approaching the medieval town
We begin our virtual time together walking from the base of the mountain through countryside. As we make our way into the town we stop at a villa created in the Edo period for the tired monks. We then weave through the neighborhood streets visiting inconspicuous sites whose history goes back over 1,000 years.

Ascending to the Great Golden Rock
We end our time together in one of the most important shrines in all of Japan, climbing a mountain and making our way up to a major power spot overlooking the largest lake in Japan. When our time comes to an end you will undoubtedly feel enriched and refreshed, much like the monks of Mt. Hiei of centuries past.

LENGTH:
1.5 hours

FEE:
¥8,000 ($75.00) for a private group of up to 5 guests.
A ¥1,600 ($15.00) fee will be charged for each additional guest.
An 8% tax / service charge fee will be added.

To make a payment directly using Paypal, please do so here.

REQUIRED SOFTWARE:
Zoom

ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Hello. I am Andrew William, a landscape designer living in Kyoto for the last decade. Over the last 3.5 years I have been leading tours of many of the amazing gardens here through my small business called An Design. With over 1,000 5-star online reviews, An Design has become one of the most highly rated tour companies in Kyoto.

Drawing on my 16 years of garden experience in the US and Japan and my self-studies in Eastern philosophy since my early teens, I am able to provide experiences for my guests that are unique and from the heart.

As the only foreigner to graduate from the Kyoto Japanese Garden Training Program, I have gained insights to Japanese culture and gardens that are very rare for an outsider to obtain.

I hope to be able to lead you on an adventure away from the regular tourist route, immersed in the exquisite and mystical nature of Kyoto.

TO REQUEST AN ONLINE TOUR:
Please fill out the form below.

• Once your date has been confirmed and your payment has been received you will receive a confirmation email and the Zoom link.

RECENT REVIEWS:

“This is an exceptionally well run tour, and you should sign up for it without hesitation. Andrew has found a way to bring Nanjen-Ji into our homes. I have visited this temple in person and can say that this Zoom tour is informative, colorful and soothing.

Andrew combines personal narrative with maps and photos all tied together seamlessly to create a smooth experience. He is an expert in Kyoto, garden design and the history of these places.

If you are interested in Japan or gardens or Zen, then take this tour without hesitation. On our next trip to Kyoto, we plan to hire Andrew for other garden visits as well.” —John G., July 2020

“There is a saying that “words from the heart, enter the heart.” Our recent experience with Andrew and his incredible passion for gardens beautifully mirrors this expression. My wife and I enjoyed the online tour very much. Andrew was so engaging and knowledgeable. We felt like we were actually visiting a monastery garden in Kyoto. Without a doubt, Andrew’s many reviews are well deserved. The online tour was inspiring and memorable, we highly recommend it!” —Aaron and Sari, July 2020