The Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi)

The basics

The path stretches for 1.2 miles (2.0 kilometers) between the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji Temple) and Eikan-do Temple. The 30-minute walk along the path can easily be combined with a stop at one or more nearby temples. A number of sightseeing tours feature a portion, or the entirety, of the path, along with stops at other top Kyoto attractions, such as the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle.

Things to know before you go

• It’s free to walk the Philosopher’s Path.
• Don’t forget your camera; you’ll want to capture the pretty scenery along the way.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes as the path is paved with uneven stones.
• While the path itself is not very wheelchair friendly, there is a newer street to the side of it that is.
• There are cafés, restaurants, and shops along the way, so you may want to allot more time for exploring the area.

How to get there

The Philosopher’s Path is located in eastern Kyoto. It can be approached from the north or south. You may want to take the bus as the nearest subway station, Keage, is over 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) away from the path. Use the Ginkakuji-mae bus stop to start at the northern end, and Miyanomaecho bus stop to start at the southern end.

When to get there

The Philosopher’s Path is at its most scenic in the spring, during cherry blossom season, and in the fall, when the leaves are changing colors. It’s also very popular on weekends and holidays. Visit early in the morning or in the evening to beat the crowds.

Temples Along the Philosopher's Path

It’s possible to visit several temples during the same trip along the Philosopher’s Path. In addition to Ginkaku-ji Temple and Eikan-do Temple at its two ends, the path passes very close to Anraku-ji and Honen-in temples, both quiet and picturesque. There are also many small shrines along and near the path.