….. 1. Daitoku-ji Gardens . 60 minutes

What hidden serenity lies within the meticulously designed landscapes of Daitoku-ji Gardens, where every stone, tree, and pond invites the soul to find stillness and balance? Daitokuji Gardens, with their precise layout and meditative design, invite contemplation of both the fleeting and eternal. Alain de Botton might reflect on how these gardens, with their austere beauty, remind us that serenity does not emerge from extravagance but from the careful arrangement of simple elements—stones, water, and raked sand. Here, the act of stillness becomes profound, as visitors are encouraged to pause and recognize that in the absence of clutter, the mind is free to roam and reflect on life’s quiet profundities.

.…. Commute . 20 minutes

….. 2. Ryoan-ji Garden. 60 minutes

Known for its world-famous rock garden, Ryoan-ji is the epitome of Zen simplicity. Visitors are invited to interpret the minimalism of 15 stones amidst raked gravel.

.…. Commute . 40 minutes

….. 3. Nijo Castle’s Garden . 60 minutes

One of the most famous tales involves the Nijō-no-Tsuru, a koi fish pond at the heart of the garden. It’s said that the shogun’s advisors, often engaged in secretive negotiations, would walk the garden paths, using the pond as a backdrop for their discussions. A rumor spread that during one such meeting, the koi were fed a mixture of rice and gold flakes, symbolizing the shogun’s wealth and influence. The advisors, always cautious of betrayal, believed that the koi could "keep secrets" — a symbolic gesture to remind them of the stakes of their whispered conversations.

.…. Commute . 50 minutes

….. 4. Seiraiin Garden. 60 minutes

Designed with a Zen-inspired aesthetic, it features raked gravel patterns and carefully placed rocks and greenery to embody simplicity and harmony. This serene space invites visitors to reflect on the balance between nature and human artistry, creating a meditative atmosphere. The garden's minimalist design serves as a quiet complement to the larger temple complex, emphasizing mindfulness and peaceful contemplation.

….. 5. Kennin-ji Garden . 60 minutes

One of the temple’s earliest abbots, the visionary monk Eisai, was said to have spent countless hours in its serene landscape, contemplating the impermanence of life. The garden itself became a sanctuary not just for meditative reflection, but for powerful secrets.

Legend has it that during one of the many political upheavals in Kyoto, a samurai warrior seeking refuge from his enemies hid within the garden’s labyrinthine pathways. The warrior, disguised in monk’s robes, was said to have narrowly escaped capture by using the garden’s design to his advantage. The raked gravel, meticulously arranged stones, and tranquil pond were not just elements of Zen aesthetics but also provided a labyrinth for those who knew its subtle rhythms.

Visit the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and marvel at its bold design, including the striking Twin Dragons ceiling mural and its perfectly raked rock garden.

✔ Dedicated professional local tour guide’s time and expertise (for 8 hours), along with their personal expenses.

✔ All Entrance Fees: All entrance fees for the listed attractions are fully included in the tour, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience for our guests.

✔ Stovenirs: A unique souvenir for each guest on the tour (see section below).

✔ Customizable Itinerary: Flexibility to tailor the tour according to your preferences and interests.

✔ Personal Support: If customers who book contact us with any questions about their Japan trip, we will respond promptly.

✖ Meal Costs: Participants are responsible for their own meals (e.g., lunch).

✖ Transportation Costs: Participants handle their own transportation costs (public or private).

Note: For those who booked the 'Luxury Wand' asset, everything mentioned above is fully covered, including private transportation.

More about the 'Luxury Wand' here.

Stovenirs = Souvenirs + Stories.

贈り物の背後には、心のこもった物語が広がっています。

(Okurimono no haigo ni wa, kokoro no komotta monogatari ga hirogatteimasu.)

Translation: "Behind every gift, there is an heartfelt story unfolding."

For direct bookings made through our website, every guest will receive a special "stovenir" during the tour—a thoughtfully chosen souvenir accompanied by a captivating story about Japan, shared by your guide.

These stovenirs are designed to enrich your experience, making your tour not just memorable but deeply meaningful.

• For cancellations made more than 15 days before the tour date, a 80% refund will be issued. Please note that due to the time and effort spent on assigning the dedicated guide and personalizing the itineraries to suit your interests, cancellations within this period still reflect the preparation invested in crafting a unique and tailored experience.

• For cancellations made 2 to 14 days before the tour date, a 50% refund will be issued.

• Cancellations made less than 2 days before the tour date or no-shows without prior notice will not be eligible for a refund.

1. Confirmation Email: You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of booking.

2. Resources: We will email you "Preparing for Your Japan Trip" and "Japan Secrets" digital guides to help you make the most of your experience.

3. Personalized Contact: Your guides will reach out to you three times (via email or Whatsapp):

a… 2-4 weeks before your tour.

b… again the day before your tour with them.

c… and finally at the meeting point on the day of the tour.

4. Support: We will follow up with you to ensure everything is going smoothly and offer support if any issues arise.

We believe we are redefining the private tour experience. Your experience exploring Japan will be unforgettable — and if you're not completely satisfied, we will make it right, guaranteed.