“I joined this this tour online with a friend of mine . We are English speaking tour guides in Tokyo. I wanted to go over the basic philosophy of Zen and appreciate an off the beaten Zen garden in Kyoto. It was a big success! Andrew who is also a professional garden designer, showed us the beautiful and sacred world of Konchiin Zen Garden. Besides, he took us the the entrance of deep Zen philosophy and made us more curious about it. His guiding was based on his much respect for Japanese life and deep understanding of Zen . It was also so clear to understand even for a non-native English speaker like me. I really enjoyed this unique and precious tour. I am going to take his new tour in the future, too. Highly recommended tour!”

“We toured zen gardens with Andrew and were introduced to the Zen mind twice - the first time was a year ago in Kyoto and the second time was via his virtual walk this past Saturday. Touring with Andrew was eye and mind-opening, and allowed us to experience so much more of Kyoto and the Zen gardens and temples we have visited afterward. Having the opportunity to experience it again, from a different angle, and this time with our family via his online tour, was a real treat. Both to be reminded of the beautiful things we have seen and learned in Kyoto, and of some of the Zen teachings, which are always so relevant. I’ve been through several online walking tours and I can say Andrew leads his tours skillfully both in-person and online. High recommended!”

“There is a saying that “words from the heart, enter the heart.” Our recent experience with the online Zen Garden, Zen Mind small group tour and Andrew’s incredible passion for gardens and landscaping design/ architecture beautifully mirrors this expression. My wife and I enjoyed the online tour very, 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! Thank you so much for a wonderful tour!”

“On our trip to Japan in the fall of 2019, we had the good fortune of taking part in two of Andrew’s “in-person” tours of Kyoto. While our total trip was enjoyable and fascinating, Andrew’s Kyoto tours were the highlight. So I was interested to see that Andrew is newly offering an “online” version of his “Zen Garden, Zen Mind” tour. We, therefore, recently took part in the “online” tour, and may I say, it was wonderful.

Andrew brings all of his expertise and love of the topic to the “online” version just as he did in person. Although, we had taken this particular tour while in Kyoto, the “online” version was a truly worthwhile and interesting experience, even for those who have experienced it in person. I would wholeheartedly recommend this online tour to anyone interested in learning about and experiencing Japanese culture and aesthetics. Thank you, Andrew. We look forward to more “online” offerings in the future.”

“My daughter (13) and I thoroughly enjoyed the online tour. We had no idea what to expect from an online tour and we were so delighted with how Andrew presented the Zen Garden. We have never traveled to Japan but by way of this tour we felt transported to Kyoto. Andrew’s storytelling was my favorite part - relating the environment and structures to the art, history and traditions was what we found helped us feel as if we were there. We highly recommend this to anyone wanting something new and fun to do in your free time! This was more than a tour.. this was an experience and I look forward to the next one!”

“This was a wonderful online tour experience! I have never been to Japan, but look forward to the day I can experience this amazing country in person. Andrew gives an incredible tour using video and photos, explaining the history and traditions of Kyoto and the many meanings of the garden and temple you view together. He is an incredible landscape architect in his own right, with an ingrained passion for art, nature and kindness. Andrew is the perfect guide - he speaks in relaxing tones with an abundance of intrigue and hints of humor. It’s refreshing to be guided by a knowledgeable leader with an infectious interest in the beauty he shares. I can’t wait for him to offer new garden tours! Highly recommend.”