Zen Garden,
Zen Mind

AUTUMN EDITION
Online Experience

DESCRIPTION:
Embark on a Journey
Experience the restorative power of nature and art while you virtually travel to Japan and immerse yourself in a mystical Zen garden. After logging on to Zoom you will be led by a Kyoto-based American landscape designer through one of Kyoto's magical and sacred spaces created hundreds of years ago by Zen monks, artists, and nobles.

The Japanese Garden Revealed
Through the sharing of photos, diagrams, artistically crafted videos and live commentary you will feel as if you are physically moving through the garden. As you hear deep insights about the spaces that surround us, you will be able to appreciate the garden for much more than just the physical beauty.

An Introspective and Unique Experience
Your time spent virtually in this garden will feel less like an online tour and more like a meaningful moment considering Japanese design, philosophy and history while virtually exploring a Zen garden of unparalleled beauty. As this is very much an interactive experience, you will be encouraged to share your thoughts or ask any questions you may have. This truly is a once in a lifetime chance to intimately experience a Zen garden from the comforts of your own home.

LENGTH:
1.5 hours

REQUIRED SOFTWARE:
Zoom

FEE:
$22.00 per guest
$110.00 for a private group of up to 5 guests.

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 and cultural sites in Kyoto. 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.

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 Nanzen-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.

“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