The Philosopher's Path is a 2km long path that runs along the canal branch from Lake Biwa. It was named after leading Japanese philosophers, Nishida Kitaro and Tanabe Motoi, who studied philosophy at Kyoto Imperial University, and their students, who walked along the path while thinking about philosophy.

In spring, about 400 cherry trees bloom here, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface and the flurry of falling cherry blossoms make this a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto.

Characteristics of the cherry blossoms along the Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path is a popular walking path in Kyoto that stretches from the approach to Ginkakuji Temple to the area around Eikando Temple.

With many of Kyoto's tourist attractions nearby, this is a road that many tourists and locals walk along regardless of the season. However, as it is a narrow road, it gets very crowded during the cherry blossom season, so it is best to walk along it early in the morning.

Highlight 1: Cherry blossom tunnel over the waterway

About 400 cherry trees are planted along the canal along the Philosopher's Path.

The main variety is Somei-Yoshino, which originated from a cherry tree donated by the Japanese painter Hashimoto Kansetsu (1883-1945), and is therefore also known as "Kansetsu Sakura."

When the cherry blossoms bloom on the branches that reach down to the water's surface, a beautiful, tunnel-like path appears, and many people enjoy cherry blossom viewing while gazing up at the blossoms.

On sunny days, you can enjoy the sight of the cherry blossoms reflected in the waterway, and once the cherry blossoms have passed their peak, the sight of the delicate petals fluttering about, dyeing the waterway a vibrant pink is a sight that is renowned for.

Highlight 2: A path that exudes a Japanese atmosphere

The Philosopher's Path is a road that retains the charm of old Japan, to the point that in some places it is difficult for two people to walk side by side.

There are several restaurants and souvenir shops lined up along the quaint cobblestone road, making it a popular place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while relaxing and chatting with local people.

Many people enjoy sketching at their leisure, while others take photos of their own liking.

If you want to avoid crowds, try strolling around the area outside of the opening hours of the nearby stores, which are between 10am and 5pm.

Highlight 3: Cherry trees in full bloom all at once

There are about 400 cherry trees planted along the Philosopher's Path, most of which are Somei-Yoshino.

Because many of the same variety of cherry trees are planted, the endless rows of trees all bloom at once, creating a tunnel of cherry blossoms that stretches out towards the path, as if to welcome visitors out for a stroll. The sight is truly breathtaking.

As the area is a residential area, there are no events such as nighttime illuminations or food stalls, but it is the perfect cherry blossom viewing spot to peacefully view the cherry blossoms and get a feel for spring in Japan.

Best time to see cherry blossoms along the Philosopher's Path

The cherry blossoms along the Philosopher's Path are mostly Somei Yoshino, so they are at their best in early April.

The best time to see the flowers in 2024 will be around April 7th when they are in full bloom, and the best time to see them in 2023 will be around March 31st when they are in full bloom.

Location of the Philosopher's Path

Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Sakyo Ward, Jodo-ji Shimonamida-cho

Access to the Philosopher's Path

If you are heading to the Philosopher's Path, take a highway bus from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station.

The express bus from the airport takes about 90 minutes.

The northern end of the Philosopher's Path is located just a short distance from the Ginkakuji-michi bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus.

From Kyoto Station, take the city bus [5] for about 40 minutes to arrive at Ginkakuji-michi.

Nearby tourist attractions

Tourist Spot 1: Ginkakuji Temple (Higashiyama Jisho-ji Temple)

Ginkakuji is the temple at the northern end of the Philosopher's Path.

It is said to have been founded in 1490 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate.

Another famous tourist spot in Kyoto, Kinkakuji, is a magnificent temple built with profits from trade during the heyday of the Muromachi Shogunate, while Ginkakuji was built with taxes from common people during the decline of the Muromachi Shogunate.

The highlights of Ginkakuji Temple are its wabi-sabi exterior and its stroll-style garden, Kinkyochi Pond.

The current Kinkyo Pond was renovated during the Edo period (17th century to early 19th century), and was designed so that Ginkakuji was reflected on the pond's surface, making it a particularly popular spot.

Within the grounds of Ginkakuji Temple, there are two sand mounds called Ginshadan and Kougetsudai.

This sand mound is said to have been devised during the Edo period, and its role is to reflect the moonlight and beautifully illuminate Ginkakuji Temple.

Unfortunately, the current opening hours (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM from March 1st to November 30th, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from December 1st to the end of February) mean that you cannot see the sand pile mechanism, but you can still fully enjoy the beauty of this magnificent garden, which was created using the combined wisdom of our ancestors, even during the day.

Location of Ginkakuji Temple

2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Tourist spot 2: Honen-in Temple

Honen-in Temple is located about a 10-minute walk east from the Philosopher's Path, crossing either Senshin Bridge or Honen-in Bridge.

The foundations of Honen-in Temple were laid in 1680, early in the Edo period, with the aim of building a temple on land associated with Saint Honen, who founded the Jodo sect of Buddhism.

Although it is quietly nestled in the Higashiyama mountains and its approach and gardens are open to the public, it is a relatively small temple compared to other temples in Kyoto, so there are fewer tourists, making it a tourist spot where you can take your time and enjoy Kyoto's four seasons.

The highlights of Honen-in Temple are its elegant thatched roof, its sukiya-style mountain gate, and the mound of sand known as Byakusadan.

Although none of the sights are spectacularly beautiful, they are spots where you can feel the refinement of Kyoto, the weight of its history, and the modest elegance that is considered a virtue by the Japanese.

The temple is open from 6am to 4pm, making it a perfect spot for a stroll after quietly admiring the cherry blossoms along the Philosopher's Path.

Location of Honen-in Temple

30 Shishigatani Goshonodancho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Tourist spot 3: Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Temple is located about a 15-minute walk from the Philosopher's Path, and the entire temple grounds are designated as a national historic site.

The way in which important cultural properties and historical buildings, including the National Treasure "Hojo" and "Sanmon Gate", blend into the natural landscape is so fantastical and beautiful that it is a staple tourist spot in Kyoto that is popular with tourists from both Japan and abroad.

Founded in 1291 as the head temple of the Nanzenji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, you can see double cherry blossoms, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, and weeping cherry blossoms, just like on the Philosopher's Path.

It has a different feel to the Philosopher's Path, so be sure to experience the power of the cherry blossoms blooming against the backdrop of historic buildings.

Location of Nanzenji Temple

86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

summary

Philosopher's Path is a famous cherry blossom spot located close to a popular tourist route that traces Kyoto's history and temples.

The endless cherry blossom-lined avenue is filled with Yoshino cherry blossoms in full bloom, allowing you to feel the richness of Japan's nature and tranquilize your mood, so if you're touring the temples in Kyoto in the spring, be sure to enjoy the cherry blossoms along the Philosopher's Path.