Zen gardens, secret gardens

Karesansui, tsukiyama, zen gardens, dry gardens, ... The art of Japanese gardens is an art of ancestral wisdom. Through a guided tour of some of the most beautiful - but not the most well-known - gardens in Kyoto, learn how to decipher the beauty and hidden meaning of Japanese gardens.

The secret of Zen gardens

A few rocks here and there, silent, unperturbed. Around them, a carpet of moss spreads out in the shade of a black pine tree with fine curves. Then, an expanse of light grey gravel unfolds its smooth ripples, revealing the meticulous work of the landscape gardener. Zen gardens have so much to say... But the mystery that surrounds them makes their words inaudible to those who cannot hear them. They speak an abstract language, one made of codes, symbols and metaphors.

A guided tour with a great connoisseur of Japanese gardens to decipher their symbolism

Welcome to the mysterious world of Japanese gardens. The object of infatuation even in the West, these emblematic works of Japanese aesthetics conceal a beauty that must be understood in order to be appreciated. In just a few hours, using the example of several gardens hidden in one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples, discover the meaning and history of Japanese gardens. You will visit gardens of many different designs and understand why some are characterised by an abundance of water (ponds, waterfalls...) and others - the famous dry gardens or karesansui- by its absence. Why some are noted for their movement, while others sit motionless. This exploration will call upon your imagination. For the world of Japanese gardens is a world populated by hermits from Chinese legends, turtles and cranes, and of course Buddha and his disciples... Without forgetting, out of sight, the shoguns and the samurai.

The story behind the beauty

Your guide will describe the historical and religious context in which Zen gardens first appeared: in feudal Japan with the arrival of the samurais, who came to power at the end of the 12th century, for whom Zen Buddhism was a response to a need for morality, detachment and aesthetics. Then came the golden age of dry gardens in the Muromachi era (1336-1573), a troubled period during which monasteries served as a refuge for the mind. Your guide will also be able to answer your questions about the fauna and flora found in Japanese gardens: from carp to azaleas, bamboos, maples or sakura (cherry trees).

A conference visit by a Japanese garden enthusiast

Meet your guide at 9:00 AM at Keage Station. From there, you'll explore a selection of carefully chosen Japanese gardens together on foot or by public transport. Over the course of three hours, you'll enjoy a rich visual experience and gain a deeper appreciation for traditional garden design. This introductory tour will give you valuable insights that will enhance your understanding of other gardens you may visit during your time in Japan.

Please note that the activity will be held in English.

Included in the offer:

Entrances to the sites

Not included in the offer:

Your transport during the tour

Cancellation policy:

Up to 7 days before: 0%

Between 7 days before and 5:00 p.m. the previous day: 50%

After 5:00 p.m. the previous day and same day: 100%