Philosopher's Path

What makes it special

The path is a two-kilometre stone walk along a narrow canal, from Ginkaku-ji at the north end towards the Nanzen-ji area in the south. Cherry trees lean across the canal from both banks, so for most of the way you walk beneath their branches.

In blossom week the path turns pale pink, the view it is known for across Japan. From mid to late November the maples along the canal turn red instead. Between the two seasons it is a green, shaded lane.

Look off the path as well as along it. It winds through residential streets, past small temples, shrines, cafés and shops that are easy to miss behind the trees.

The name comes from Nishida Kitaro, a Kyoto University philosophy professor who walked beside the canal every day.

Visiting

From the Ginkaku-ji bus stop, walk up the approach to the temple at the north end, where most walkers begin. If you want to see the Silver Pavilion, go in first, then come back down to the canal and follow the path south towards the Nanzen-ji end.

There is no gate or ticket for the path itself. Walked straight through it takes half an hour or a little more, but most of the time goes on stops: step into the small temples and shrines along the way, and break at one of the cafés.

For the quietest walk, reverse the order. Begin at the Nanzen-ji end around 7:30, when the path is still mostly residents walking dogs, and walk north slowly to reach Ginkaku-ji as it opens for the day.

Tips

No hiking gear is needed, but wear comfortable walking shoes for the stone paving. At peak bloom the path is busiest around midday and at weekends, so a weekday morning is the time to come in blossom week or in late November.

Finish the walk before dark, or carry a small torch if you set out late in the day.