A 2 km pedestrian path beside a canal between Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji; spectacular in cherry-blossom season and autumn; free entry.
The Philosopher's Path —Tetsugaku no Michi in Japanese— is a 2 km pedestrian walk beside a canal lined with cherry trees that links Ginkaku-ji with the Nanzen-ji area. Its name pays homage to the philosopher Nishida Kitaro (1870-1945), who walked it every morning meditating on his way to Kyoto University. The route is dotted with small hidden temples and shrines, charming cafés, art galleries and craft shops. It is completely free and can be walked in 30 minutes, although it is usual to spend between an hour and a half and two hours. The best time of year is spring, when the cherry trees form a pink canopy over the canal, and autumn, with the momiji tinting the landscape scarlet. To get there, take bus 5 or 100 from Kyoto station to Ginkakuji-mae and start the walk from the Silver Pavilion heading south. You can also do it the other way round, starting from Nanzen-ji.
