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Kyoto

Philosopher's Path

Name: Philosopher's Path
Address: Shishigatani Teranomaecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8426, Japan
Rating: 4.6

4.6 Tourist AttractionHiking AreaGardenParkSports Activity LocationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto is a charming and tranquil walkway that offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. This path, stretching about two kilometers, follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees, creating a stunning tunnel of blossoms in spring. It's named after Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who is said to have used this route for daily meditation.

Walking along the Philosopher's Path, you'll be enveloped in a serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection or a leisurely stroll. The path meanders through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district, connecting the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) with the neighborhood of Nanzen-ji. This area is not just about natural beauty; it's dotted with cafes, boutiques, and small temples, offering plenty of stops to explore and relax.

Philosopher's Path is particularly popular during cherry blossom season, when the overhanging branches form a spectacular canopy of pink. However, it's equally enchanting in other seasons, with lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and a quiet, introspective beauty in winter.

Hours:

Open 24 hours daily

Closed:

Open year-round, no closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages welcome

Fees:

No entry fee

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Phone

+81 75-343-0548

Website

tetsugakunomichi.jp

The area

Address

Shishigatani Teranomaecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8426, Japan

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

What other travelers are saying about Philosopher's Path

This is literally just a path that follows along the river here. It was not crowded so it was still peaceful. If you wanted to visit several temples within several hours, take the bus up to the northern starting point of the path and start with the temple bear and then work your way back down. There is a beautiful large Temple at the north side and an even larger one on the south side. Along the way, we also ran into an older man who was giving away boats made from bamboo leaves topped with flowers. They was having people drop them into the river from a bridge and using them to determine. Good luck or if you're living a good life.

Nathan Powers

Jul 10, 2025

A beautiful riverside walk from near Ginkaku-ji all the way down to Eikando and near Nanzen-ji, with plenty of temples, shrines, and viewpoints along the way. The walk is mostly 1 or 2 paving stones wide, with a wider road nearby. It was fairly quiet when we visited on a Sunday, especially the southern half of the walk, with most people only doing the top section. The walk is shaded, with benches and drinks machines along the way, so definitely worth doing when in Kyoto! Various buses go from central Kyoto to the northern start of the walk, which is clearly signposted.

Jake L

Sep 26, 2025

We went during summer 34 degrees but still doable. There was absolutely no one on the path. There was a super friendly man giving people offering to drop in the water for good luck. Can imagine beautiful during cheery blossom or Autumn.

Marcus Leask

Aug 18, 2025

I got to experience the philosopher‘s path in the evening. No one else was on the path and I had the whole thing to myself. That felt very special. There are for sure more beautiful areas in Kyoto, but this is definitely worth checking out. The best part is it dumps you out next to a temple that is absolutely gorgeous.Highly recommend taking this path.

Julian Vai

Sep 10, 2025

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went early around 7.00 am. It was quiet and peaceful and felt local. People were walking their dogs, cleaning their doorsteps for those that live by the path. The canal is not wide and not deep water, but it's flowing and little bridges crossing regularly. Apart from being a recognised walk for tourists, it's also their space, and this is evident. I walked the length and recommended it. Either go early or late before all the temple crowds and groups start to invade is quietness.