Philosopher’s Path

Word from curator

Sandra

Japan expert

70+ destinations visited

18 curated trips

The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic walking trail that stretches for almost 2 miles along a canal in the northern part of Higashiyama district.

Named after the influential Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who is said to have used the path for daily meditation walks, the Philosopher’s Path is renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty.

The path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, which bloom spectacularly in the spring, creating a tunnel of pink blossoms that attracts visitors from around the world. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a vibrant display of red and gold, offering another picturesque backdrop for a stroll.

The path begins near Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), a Zen temple famous for its minimalist architecture and beautiful gardens, and continues south towards Nanzen-ji, another historic temple with expansive grounds and a striking aqueduct.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of quaint shops, traditional tea houses, cafes, and small temples and shrines nestled in the serene, residential surroundings. This makes the Philosopher’s Path not only a place of natural beauty but also a cultural journey through Kyoto’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Walking the Philosopher’s Path is a peaceful and reflective experience, as it meanders along the gentle canal, crossing over small stone bridges and passing under lush canopies of cherry blossoms and maple trees.