Kyoto Fall Garden Tour & Kanazawa GetAway

The Kyoto Fall Garden Tour takes place during the dynamic seasonal transition to autumn foliage. During the tours we will leisurely explore gardens of various styles, experiencing some of the finest examples of landscape and garden design in Japan. You will have a taste of various neighbourhoods throughout the city, each with its own ambiance and treasures to discover. The 2023 tour includes the Kanazawa GetAway.

On every Kyoto Garden Tour we take time to enjoy the aesthetic sensibilities and culinary offerings of the Japanese culture. The pace of the tour allows this to happen in a relaxed and fun way.

IMPORTANT: Tour participants must be able to walk with easy confidence, without the need for mobility aids or assistance, for several hours a day. Terrain may include steppingstone paths, uphill grades, stairways and uneven streets. Masking may be required as needed, esp. on public transportation.

Tour Dates: November 17 ~ 30, 2024 Note: this tour is FULL

Group size: 13 people

Included:

• 13 nights accommodation, 10 guided days and 2 free days

• Breakfast and lunch on all guided days in Kyoto, and all meals on the Kanazawa GetAway

• Welcome and Sayanara dinners featuring Kyoto’s unique ‘kaiseki’ cuisine

• Limo bus to/from KIX or ITM airport and transportation on all guided days

• All garden and museum admissions on guided days

Highlights include:

• Autumn foliage as Kyoto’s ‘momiji’ (maple leaves) ascend toward their peak

• Exploring at least a dozen of my favourite gardens of various styles throughout the city of Kyoto and nearby areas

• Accommodations in the Shunkoin temple Guest House (w/ ensuite bathrooms), our guests love staying in this ultra-atmospheric setting within the Myoshinji Zen temple complex, having a peaceful ‘home base’ to return to each day

• 10 fully guided days  –  accompanied by top-notch guide, Judith Clancy, author of numerous guidebooks on Japanese culture & the charms of Kyoto

• An introductory session of Zen meditation instruction … to relax the mind

• Shopping in open-air markets and specialty craft shops … to stimulate the mind (!)

• Wandering along the Philosopher’s Path & perusing local craft shops

• Private shakuhachi live music performance at our Zen temple

• Exploring Ohara, the scenic country town north of Kyoto, known for its gardens and pickles

• Stopping by my go-to hardware store to purchase specialty garden tools

• Learning about the tea ceremony, and taste sampling different green teas

• A day-trip to the Miho Museum, with a world-class art collection in a stunning natural setting

• Shopping for handmade ceramics in Shigaraki pottery village

• A hands-on lesson, such as wagashi tea-sweet making or brush calligraphy

• Visiting the Kyoto Botanical Garden and its fascinating conservatory collection

• Attending a night-time garden Light-up, a special visual treat

• Welcome and Sayonara dinners, breakfasts and lunches on guided days …‘oishi!’

• Enjoying fresh, local cuisine, with a variety of neighbourhood dining spots to choose from

• Developing a familiar feel for our quiet neighbourhood, as well as confidence in navigating the remarkable city of Kyoto, the arts and cultural capital of Japan

• While on the Kanazawa GetAway, all hotel accommodations and meals are included

Our Kanazawa sites include:

• The extensive Kenrokuen stroll garden and Kanazawa castle - so much fun to explore !

• Nomurake samurai residence garden, truly an exquisite gem

• DT Suzuki Museum and contemplative garden, sleek & modern design by architect Yoshio Taniguchi

• Echizen washi village and paper-making demonstration

• Yoyokan garden in Fukui - in the afternoon light reflecting off the pond, it comes alive

• and more … including gold-covered ice cream ? Why yes !