Philosopher’s Path

The Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant stone path leading through the northern part of the Higashiyama district in Kyoto. The path follows a channel lined with hundreds of trees. 

The route, about two kilometers long, begins around Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and ends near Nanzen-ji. This name is due to Nishida Kitaro, one of the most famous Japanese philosophers, who was told to practice meditation, following this path in daily walks to the University of Kyoto.

Philosopher’s Path

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Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in the Higashiyama area of ​​Kyoto. This is one of the most famous Rinzai Zen temples in Japan. In Nanzen-ji there is a sanmon (wonderful gate) and many temples, each of which has its own charm. You can enter the Nanzen-ji complex free of charge, but each sub-temple has its own entrance fee. This area is one of the best places in Kyoto to see romantic red and orange autumn leaves in autumn. 

Nanzen-ji is a 5-10 minute walk from the nearest metro station, Keage Station on the Tozai Line (about 20 minutes from Kyoto station).

Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji Temple San-mon Gate

Nanzen-ji Temple San-mon Gate

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