Philosopher's Path image

Philosopher's Path

Tourist attraction Hiking area Scenic spot

One of the Top rated Hiking areas in Kyoto


Address

Tetsugaku No Michi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8426, Japan

Website

tetsugakunomichi.jp

Contact

+81 75-343-0548

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (797 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: (The Emperor's Birthday), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: path (13) time (10) beautiful (9) Kyoto (8) walk (7) season (6) autumn (6) spring (6) cherry (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tarun G. 9 months ago on Google
    I went here during the rainy season. It was not as beautiful as sakura season but i was not disappointed. It was still very green, the sound of stream and clean. The stream is so clean that there are fish crabs and ducks in it. There are 7-8 monasteries on the way and I recommend walking from ginkakuji to nanzenji. There are restaurants on the way but no toilets or vending machines. These are available in some of the paid monasteries though.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kara H. 7 months ago on Google • 350 reviews
    Beautiful canal walk for around 2km along a quiet lane with picturesque houses. We went nearing sunset and there was a beautiful view from the canal around half way down. There were shops and cafes which closed around 5pm selling coffee / tea / ice cream. It is free entrance and great to do if your looking for some calm after a busy time at the many temples.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 MT 5 months ago on Google • 384 reviews
    Visited in autumn and late afternoon. Leaves mostly fall off and quiet cold autumn evening. Recommended to visit in spring cherry blossom. Must be beautiful. If you are in Kyoto in spring, put this in itinerary. Other time and if doesn't have enough time to spare, can skip.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mikhail B. 4 months ago on Google • 574 reviews
    It was ok, especially first couple hundreds meters from south Beginning. However, I don't recommend to dedicate your time if you visit it in autumn, only if you are nearby. It is probably very beautiful at spring time, but there are many more beautiful places in Kyoto at autumn.

  • 5/5 Thomas D. 6 months ago on Google • 227 reviews
    Excellent route to go from Ginkaku-ji to the South (East) of Kyoto on foot. The path runs along a small canal and many other temples and shrines that are worth a visit. Outside of the blossom season it is not a crowded and really enjoyable.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T T. 4 months ago on Google • 393 reviews
    The famous philosopher's path along the canel that brings water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. There are cafes, small stores, and antique stores along the path. I think the best way to explore this place is to start off at either Nanzenji or Ginkakuji end and walk through the path to another end. This way, you can explore cafe stores and temples along the way, such as Honen-in and Eikando. It is likely to take you almost a full day to explore all significant attractions along the path, but this route is diffinately one of the highlight of Kyoto.

  • 5/5 Chamith Perera (. 3 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto is a tranquil journey through nature's poetry. Lined with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, the path is a visual feast. The canal's gentle flow and the surrounding greenery create a serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation. It's a timeless escape from the bustling city, allowing one to walk in the footsteps of philosophers past. A serene and picturesque experience that captures the essence of Kyoto's beauty. 🌸🍃 #PhilosophersPath #KyotoBeauty
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kikib G. 4 months ago on Google • 152 reviews
    Visit here in a late autumn morning. (Not red anymore) I think morning is the best time visiting here. Not crowded. But some shop were close, but we’re here for wandering anyway. Scenery might be better in other season. But i like how calm is it during this time. Its a path that connect to many attractions, they have some signage along the way. It was a nice walk. Absorbing good atmosphere. Met many dogs and ducks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Food B. 2 months ago on Google • 249 reviews New
    Not worth going. It is basically a stroll along the open drain behind people's houses. Might be nicer during the Sakura season but then I am sure there are better places to go to during that time. Quite hard to get to as there is no direct transportation to the place. Best option is to take a bus from Kyoto Station.

  • 5/5 Rosa Z. 5 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    A beautiful stroll passing by some beautiful homes. So serene and quiet. I can imagine how stunning it would be during cherry blossom season. I was here late October. The most beautiful meandering walk I’ve ever had
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anna K. 6 months ago on Google
    The path follows a canal and is approximately 2 km long. It begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzenji. The path got its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who practiced meditation while walking that route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. When we visited in October 2023 it wasn't particularly impressive, but the stroll itself was quite pleasant. Apparently, it is mostly spectacular in the spring (usually in April) as the path is lined by hundreds of blooming cherry trees. At that time the path becomes one of the city's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rainypraha 6 months ago on Google
    I’d love to walk this beautiful path everyday and I’ll definitely come back to Tokyo in spring time to see raining cherry blossoms. Please respect, not disturb local people. Always uncivilized group tours ruin the beauty…
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mamaNad 2 months ago on Google • 147 reviews New
    Took a tranquil walk on late winter afternoon, enjoyed the route from Ginkakuji to Nanzenji with a quite vibe. Many temples along the path we can explore with cozy cafes around neighbourhood.


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