Philosopher's Path: This is a 1.5 km walking path. The stream running along the path is a branch of the Biwako Sosui that connects to the northern part of Kyoto City via Suijikaku. The path starts at Nanzenji Temple and ends at Ginkakuji Temple.

(1) Nanzenji Temple: The main temple of the Nanzenji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The existing Hojo (national treasure), Imperial Gate, and Sanmon (three gates) all date from the Warring States Period to the early Edo Period.

(2) Honen-in: A small temple with few tourists. The bamboo grove glimpsed from the thatched mountain gate is a very impressive sight.

(3) Higashiyama Jishoji Temple (Silver Pavilion): Built in the late 15th century by Muromachi Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. There are many buildings, but the Ginkaku (Silver Pavilion) and Tougudo (East Gugudo), the Kannon Hall, are particularly famous. The simple but meticulous architectural style later became the prototype for the samurai warrior style, the architecture of samurai residences in general. The samurai style spread to merchant houses and inns throughout the Edo and Meiji periods, and can be considered an important prototype of Japanese architecture.

Other attractive examples include Eikando Hall, famous for its autumn foliage, and the tea rooms of famous Japanese confectionery stores.

 

Nanzenji Temple
Dating back to the 13th century, Nanzenji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan, as well as the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. A large complex, its most famous structure is the two-story Sanmon gate, which welcomes you at the entrance of the temple. The main hall is also home to an impressive rock garden, as well as treasured artworks depicted on its sliding doors.

Suirokaku Aqueduct
To the right side of Nanzenji Temple, there is Suirokaku Aqueduct, one of the oldest Western structures in modern Japan. It connects to Lake Biwa Canal, which was constructed to draw water for the northern part of Kyoto during the late nineteenth century. The striking structure contrasts magnificently against its natural backdrop, and it is a popular sight for photographers.

Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk is a stone path of about 1.5km that goes along the Lake Biwa Canal. It is lined by cherry trees and is particularly picturesque during the cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons. The area has been known as "Philosopher’s Walk" since 1972, as it was named after famed philosophers Kitaro Nishida and Hajime Tanabe, who liked to practice meditation by walking along the road.

Honen-in Temple
Honen-in is a small temple with few tourists, giving it a serene, natural environment. Surrounded by bamboo groves, it is visited for its simple beauty. The most prominent feature of the temple is its thatched gate, which is covered in moss and surrounded by canopying maple trees. Another popular attraction is the unusual raised sand gardens, which display different scenes every season.

Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji was built as the mountain lodge of a powerful fifteenth-century shogun. It was modeled after the Kinkakuji (the “Golden Pavilion”), which had in turn been built by the shogun built by the shogun’s leader. Today, it is one of the most representative early examples of shoin-style architecture, the most influential style of traditional Japanese design. It is known for its serene, Zen atmosphere, and is home to an attractive moss garden and a unique sand cone structure. At the top of the temple’s hill, there are also panoramic views of the city below.

Meeting Place:
The meeting place for this tour is JR Kyoto Station's Rooftop Sky Garden.

Transportation:
You will travel by subway to Nanzenji Temple.

The tour route is as follows:
JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Nanzenji Temple → Philosopher’s Walk → Honen-in Temple → Ginkakuji Temple → JR Kyoto Station

The tour will end at JR Kyoto Station.

Want to experience more after this tour? We recommend the following:
W002: Kyoto’s Higashiyama: Tradition, Art & Religion Tour
W003: Gion Night Tour

JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Nanzenji Temple → Philosopher’s Walk → Honen-in Temple → Ginkakuji Temple → JR Kyoto Station

In the event of cancellation, the following fees will apply:
(1) 3-14 days prior to the program: 20% of the program fee
(2) 2 days prior to the program: 50% of the program fee
(3) One day before the program or on the day*: 100% of the program fee

*In the case of a no-show, a separate remittance fee will also be charged.