Japanese gardens are full of rich history, culture, beauty, and tradition. For over 1000 years, gardens in Japan have refined and evolved into many distinct styles and each style brings a diverse purpose or perspective from strolling gardens to meditation. Kyoto is the perfect destination for visiting the varied Japanese garden styles. You could spend months going from one garden to the next. We don’t have months but we have 7 days to explore Japanese culture and history through Kyoto’s gardens, temples and art. Some of the garden highlights on our tour include: the Zen stone garden, Ryoanji Temple; the Kinkakuji Temple with its golden pavilion and pond garden; Honen-in Temple, entered through a moss-covered gate; Tenryu-ji Temple’s garden with its “borrowed scenery”; and Murin-an Villa, a private strolling garden. Learn from an expert gardener about Japanese garden design and maintenance. Learn about traditional incense and the place it holds in Japanese history. Visit a generations old sake brewery and sample some of their best varieties. 

In my opinion, Kyoto is a microcosm of Japan and should be explored by all travellers at least once.