Walking the Philosopher’s Path…Plus

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Cheryl
by Cheryl

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The Path of Philosophy is a classic Kyoto walk -- especially in Spring as the path is lined with cherry trees. This is an extended route (with accompanying routemap) that takes you not only on the Tetsugaku no Michi itself, but also through many nearby temples.

JapanTravelTravel Destinations

The Path of Philosophy (or Philosopher’s Path, Philosopher’s Walk) is a popular stop on a trip to Kyoto, and also popular with locals, especially during hanami. This walk includes the Path of Philosophy route…and a little bit extra. I followed a path described in the Lonely Planet book Pocket Kyoto and Osaka — but I’ve filled in their brief description with additional photos and details as, in places, I became turned around.

However, I would recommend this book — it’s a handy little guide for those of us who tend to skim through heftier guidebooks. As you’ll find many temples on this walk, you can read more about those on our post about Zen temples in Kyoto. I may go into less detail about each one in this post. At the end of the post, you’ll find a link to a page with a route map and waypoints.

What is the Path of Philosophy?

Tetsugaku no Michi; the Path of Philosophy. From its name, you might imagine old Zen philosophers or monks sitting by the banks of the canal or walking its path in thought (no-thought?). But, according to the venerable Wikipedia, the road wasn’t named for a wise one of old, but for the revered 20th-century philosopher Nishida Kitaro.

However, the path does pass many areas you might consider places of philosophy — old shrines and temples. Particularly true if you add to your route the walk from Keage station and keep walking to Ginkaku-ji after you’ve walked the Philosopher’s Path proper.

Best times to walk the Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is a street with a canal at center lined with cherry trees — which tells you what you need to know about when to visit. It’s most vibrant during that small window of time in the Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Hanami, the Japanese tradition of flower viewing, is popular in this spot. But, I’m sure there’s much beauty to be found here in the Autumn when the leaves change color or any other time of year. The total walk described on this page takes you through the grounds of several temples — those are certain to have spectacular Autumn colors.

The Walk

Suggested Timeframe: 4 Hours

AT LEAST 4 hours. More if you’re like me and walk to stop, shop, or photograph.

Distance: About 4 Miles

The walk from Keage Station to Ginkaku-ji is approximately 4 miles. However, that’s a straight walk — you’ll end up doing much more if you want to stroll around the temple grounds.

Map

At the end of this post, there’s a link to a map with a route and location markers.

Start: Keage Station

My walk started at Keage Station, but it’s entirely possible to do this walk in reverse — beginning at Ginkaku-ji. In truth, more people probably go in that direction as the “official” point for the beginning of the Path of Philosophy on Google Maps is close to the “Silver Pavilion.” But we’re going to be different, and meander from the south to the north.

When you get off at Keage Station, go north just a bit. I recall this as being a left turn out of the station. In just a bit, you’ll come to a brick tunnel that goes under some old funicular tracks.

Spiral brick bridge in Kyoto near the Path of Philosophy.

Admire the cherry blossoms on the path atop the tunnel if it’s Spring, and admire the spiral brick pattern in the tunnel, but then pass through and be on your way.

Spiral Tunnel Kyoto near Philosopher's Path
Spiral brick funiciular tunnel kyoto Near Philosophers Path

Keep walking ahead on the path until you come to:

Konchi-in

Path at Konchi-in temple in Kyoto near path of philosophy

Konchi-in is a sub-temple of Nanzen-ji. Be sure to stop and see the “crane and turtle” garden here and meander around on the paths.

After you’ve walked through, find your way to the gates of:

Nanzen-ji

An entrance near Nanzen-ji temple near the Path of Philosophy Kyoto
Path of Philosophy Route

Nanzenji is a large temple complex. Navigate through the San-Mon gate, view the large Hatto building, and see the tiger screen. But save some time to sit! If you buy a tea ticket at entry, you can sit in a room and sip a bowl of matcha while overlooking a lovely waterfall.

After you’ve explored the grounds thoroughly, if you go just south of the Hatto building a bit, you’ll find…

Having a bowl of macha at Nanzen-ji

The Suirokaku Water Bridge

Suirokaku water bridge Kyoto Aqueduct near nanzenji and the Path of Philosophy Route map

This old brick aqueduct is lovely, and a popular spot for kimono-clad women (it seems that Kyoto has a kimono rental place on every corner).

From there, if you look around a bit, you’ll see that you can head up a hill…

Path up the hill near Nanzen-ji Oku-no-in

Follow the path up the hill to come to:

Nanzen ji Oku-No-In

At the top of the hill, you’ll find a waterfall, a waterfall shrine, and, if you look, the “saint dojo” — only for those who have participated in the waterfall ritual.

Nanzen-ji oku-no-in shrine
If you go up the hill on the trail behind Nanzen-ji, you come to a small shrine at Nanzen-ji Oku-no-in

Go back down the hill and exit from Nanzen-ji to the north gate. A short distance later, you’ll come to:

Eikan-do

A pond at Eikan-do temple in Kyoto, Japan

Eikan-do has lovely grounds. If you think you’ll have the energy for the rest of your walk, you can choose to climb the stairs of a pagoda at this temple for views.

View from the pagoda at Eikan-do temple in Kyoto

Take the north exit out of the grounds of Eikan-do after you’ve given yourself time to explore.

North exit from Eikan do

…and come to

The Path of Philosophy Itself

Sign for the Path of Philosophy Tetsugaku no michi Philosopher's Path Route map

The meandering path follows a canal. If you’re lucky to be there during good weather, take some time to slow down. Stop for a bowl of udon or to sit and people-watch or listen to the street musicians.

Ginkaku-ji

Dry garden at Ginkaku ji end to Philosopher's Path route

Ginkaku-ji or the “Silver Pavilion” or Higashiyama Jisho-ji, is the last stop on the route after walking the Philosopher’s Path. Save some time to walk the grounds here. Be sure to visit their dry garden with its cone-shaped structure that represents Mt. Fuji.

The Path of Philosophy Route Map

The map below is a static image. Click here or on the map if you would like to access the dynamic map with location markers for the points we mention in this post. If you would like to add a marker for a nearby location, you can add it as a location (if you register and log in) and it will show up as a marker on the map, though not on the list for the route.

Path of Philosophy Kyoto Map image

AsiaCherry BlossomsEikan-doHanamiJapanJapan WalksKyotoNanzen-jiPath of PhilosophyPhilosophers PathTemplesTetsugaku no MichiZen temples

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Cheryl

By: Cheryl

Typically seen: drinking coffee, blogging, reading, riding a bike, or holding a camera.

website: https://www.pnwbeyond.com

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