Philosopher's Path

4.6 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Hiking Area・Park・Point Of Interest・Establishment

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: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Phone

+81 75-343-0548

Website

tetsugakunomichi.jp

The area

Address

Tetsugaku No Michi, 浄土寺石橋町左京区京都市京都府 606-8426, Japan

Top ways to experience Philosopher's Path

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Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kyoto City

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What other travelers are saying about Philosopher's Path

During our visit, we experienced the pathway at the tail end of the Sakura peak bloom. The canals were blanketed with petals, and the wind occasionally made a few more fall. The experience was magical at times. The canal is of a decent length, lined with numerous stalls and cafes along the walkway. We went around noon, and there was a fair number of visitors, but not so many that it bothered us. Nearby, there are a few shrines, and we visited a couple of them, just a few minutes' walk from the canal.

Zahidur Reza

Jul 17, 2024

Cherry blossom lined walk Walk along the canal to view beautiful cherry blossoms in a loverly setting. The walk leads to the Silver Temple, there are cafes and tea houses along the path. Allow a full day to soak it all up and really enjoy it. Near the temple there is a market like couple of streets good shopping. Accessible by train and bathrooms in cafes. Places to picnic too but be aware it’s a long walk so you wouldn’t want to be carrying g too much A highlight of Kyoto. Love your local guide-❤️ Please follow me your support is needed.

Inspired4me2You

May 17, 2024

Maybe 3.5 stars? (Off season) It is a leisurely stroll with a few temples and shrines along it. Peaceful enough and on a Monday afternoon it wasn’t too busy. Based on other pictures it looks like I came too late for the cherry blossom bloom and early for autumn colors. Either would have likely made for busier walkways but much prettier experiences/ photos.

Kim Vo

Apr 22, 2024

Take a city bus ride to this gem. Amazingly beautiful during sakura bloom. Gets very crowded mid day with tour buses but worth the visit to see these views. The path is a short beautiful walk. Lots of nearby shops and food options as would be expected for a tourist attraction. Pics from April 6.

Charlotte Hsieh

Apr 9, 2024

Gorgeous little path in front of one of the main temple attractions of Kyoto. Visited mid-April after the sakura season but they were still some sakura trees with flowers remaining. It wasn’t crowded during the weekday, most people are drawn towards to temple, it’s a nice walk before walking up to the main attractions. There are a few restaurants and souvenirs shops on both sides of the stream.