Authentic Journeys Into Japanese
Aesthetics, History, and World View
Veer away from the usual tourist SPOTS and escape the large crowds.
Connect to a world which many who come to Kyoto do not find.
Immersed in unimaginable beauty, experience the True Nature of Kyoto.
Full-Day Tours
Itinerary: Konchiin, Tenjuan, Heian Jingu, Shinmonzen Dori, Kawai Kanjiro House, Chishakuin, and Sanjusangendo
Itinerary: Tenryuji, Otagi Nenbutsuji, Adashino Nenbutsuji, Gioji, Okochi Sanso, and the Sagano Bamboo Forest
Itinerary: Saikyoji, Hiyoshi Taisha, Kyu-Chikurinin, Jigendo, Toshogu Jinja, and Shigain
Entering the Pureland
Heian Jingu, Konkaikomyoji, Shinnydo, Ginkakuji, Honenin, Otoyo Jinja, and Eikando
Konchiin, Tenjuan, Nanzenji, Ryogenin, Zuihoin, Obaiin, Daisenin, and Ichikawa
Zen and the Western Palaces
(COMING SOON) Itinerary: Kinkakuji, Tojiin, Ryoanji, Ninaji, Taizoin, and Shunkoin
Half-Day Tours
Zen Garden, Zen Mind
Itinerary: Konchiin, Tenjuan, and Nanzenji
33,033 Compassionate Buddhas
Itinerary: Kawai Kanjiro Museum, Chishakuin, Sanjusangendo
Tea and Monks
Itinerary: Ryogenin, Obaiin, Zuihoin, Daisen, and Ichiwa
The Poet and the Ox
Itinerary: Manshuin, Enkoji, Shisendo, and Konpukuji
The Mountain Awaiting the Moon
Itinerary: Ginkakuji, Honenin, Eikando, and Heian Jingu
A Walk in the Clouds
Itinerary: Heian Jingu, Yamazaki Art Books, Shorein, and Chionin
What Makes An Design Tours Special?
Away from the crowds. Living here for over a decade I have come to know many fascinating places of cultural richness where most visitors to Kyoto do not go. Rather than spending time amongst large crowds and noisy tourists we will share intimate moments together in pristine and peaceful locations of deep cultural importance.
Authentic and from the heart. This is not a part-time job or something I do simply to earn a living. The work I do in learning about the sites I share with my guests, and the act of sharing the sites themselves, is part of my lifelong spiritual journey which focuses on making myself a better person, enriching the lives of others, and ultimately making this world a better place.
The true nature of Kyoto. If you only visit the well-known parts of this city you unfortunately may come away from your time here thinking this was a bit of a touristic town. By veering off the regular tourist route we will enter into the deeply spiritual and majestic atmosphere here that is like no other on Earth. With me you will experience the true nature of Kyoto.
An Design Has Received over 1,300 5-Star Reviews.
Previous guests had this to say:
“We loved it so much. Andrew has a deep knowledge about Japanese gardens and it was a true pleasure spending time with him. The chosen garden are more hidden and not the typical places you go when in Kyoto. It was our second visit to Kyoto and it was a great experience.”
-Mara, autumn 2022 ★★★★★
“Highly recommend Andrew. His knowledge and passion made this experience extremely unique. The places he took me I could have never found on my own. I am planning on returning to Kyoto in the future and having him show me more of this magical city.”
-Frank, spring 2020 ★★★★
“Our experience with Andrew was incredible! It was wonderful to pause, take a breath, and gain awareness of the elements of Zen gardens and how those elements recreate the essence of nature. His level of insight traveled with us as we visited additional gardens on our own.”
-Rita, spring 2020 ★★★★★