Street
Philosopher's Path
哲学の道
A stone path of about 2 km along a canal of the Lake Biwa Canal system, between Ginkaku-ji and the Nanzen-ji area. It is named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who walked it on his way to Kyoto University.
Key facts
- Station
- Ginkakuji-michi bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 5, 17)8 min walk
- Admission
- Free entry
- Typical visit
- 45 min
Tip
Walking from north (Ginkaku-ji) to south ends near Nanzen-ji and Keage Station. The cherry trees along the canal usually bloom in early April.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$534 per night. Where to stay in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Temple Honen-in 法然院 A small temple a short walk east of the Philosopher's Path, entered through a thatched gate between raked sand mounds. Free entry 20 min 12 min walk
- Temple Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) 銀閣寺（慈照寺） Built in 1482 as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and converted into a Zen temple after his death. Paid entry 45 min 10 min walk
- Temple Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji) 永観堂 A Jodo sect temple north of Nanzen-ji known for its autumn colours, its hillside Tahoto pagoda and a statue of the Amida Buddha with his head turned to the side. Paid entry 1 h 15 min walk
- Temple Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 Head temple of one of the schools of Rinzai Zen, at the foot of the Higashiyama hills. Paid entry 1 h 7 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026