Shannon from U.S.A
Multi-Day Experience
July 2, 2019

“Andrew's tour exceeded our expectations and led to the most unique and memorable experiences of our visit to Japan. We were lucky enough to have had two full days with him and if we could have changed our itinerary we would have opted for more. It was not only the places that we toured that were exceptional but Andrew's personality, knowledge, passion and depth that created the experience. His smart and zen way of being and touring really helped us drop into a deeper place within ourselves to connect to all Kyoto has to offer. Even our boisterous and outgoing teenage girls were deeply touched and inspired by the experience. Andrew made a concerted effort to connect with and engage each person on the tour. We were all in heaven! Thank you so much Andrew! We are already scheming on how to get back to Kyoto! All our best to you and your family!”

Gwyn from U.S.A
”Zen Garden, Zen Mind”
June 26, 2019

“We just finished an amazing 2.5 week tour across Japan with our two teen boys and when we asked them what the BEST experience of all was, the thing that they will never forget and loved the most, it was this tour. It's easy to walk through these amazing temples and gardens and ooh and ahh over them, but you won't really understand them and be moved by them until you learn to see them with understanding. Andrew helps you do this and more on this tour. He provided expert insight into Japanese history and culture and the meaning and artistry behind the Zen Buddhist gardens, and with such passion and depth of understanding. I feel like we got so much more out of our entire trip because of the time we spent with him-- we all do. And the fact that he is a native English speaker helped us get so much more from the tour. Thank you, Andrew-- what a gift you gave us!”

Lizelle from South Africa
”Zen Garden, Zen Mind”
June 21, 2019

“Andrew's tour was one of the highlights of our 2-week trip to Japan. I would recommend doing this as soon as your jet lag allows, because your whole perception of Kyoto and Zen gardens in general will be profoundly different afterwards. Andrew is a true cultural 'translator' of the many symbols and layers to be found in the design of a Zen experience. His expertise lies deep and he has the exceptional ability to connect the group with abstract concepts. We'd love to go on this tour again next time we're in Kyoto, as Andrew is the kind of person with which one can spend hours and hours talking - there's still so much to learn.”

Didier from the Netherlands
”Descending Arashiyama”
June 9, 2019

“Andrew took us on a customized tour to see some of Kyoto's beautiful gardens and temples. Not only did we manage to avoid the big groups of people you'll find around the 'regular' spots, it gave us the opportunity to dive into the deeper meaning of the gardens and the temples. I recommend Andrew full-heartedly if you're really interested in the Japanese culture and don't like to settle for the obvious tourist spots.”

Steve from U.S.A
”Zen Garden, Zen Mind”
May 30, 2019

”The 3.5 hours we spent in a small group with Andrew was the highlight of our trip to Kyoto. It’s not just his passion for Japanese Gardens. It’s not just his deep knowledge. It’s not just his down-to-earth ability to communicate the philosophical foundations of Zen Buddhism in easy to understand terms and compelling narrative. It’s not just his humility as a teacher who really is there for your learning not to hear himself speak. For me, his personal life choices (raised in Maryland, moved to Japan, married, raising a family) as well as his earnest learning attitude uniquely positions Andrew to share profound insights into Japanese culture itself - current and historical - and how it is manifested in the proverbial Japanese garden. You learn so much about Japanese culture just by spending three hours with him. A totally refreshing oasis in what is often a desert of tours put together for the sake of tourists. And- on the practical side- easy to sign up, and responsive to e-mail exchange. Thanks, Andrew!