Philosopher's Path

Street

★ 4.9 (27K+ reviews) • 340K+ booked

The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi) is a beautiful stone walkway in the northern Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It's about two kilometers long and runs next to the Lake Biwa Canal. The path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, which makes it a popular place for Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, during the spring. The walk starts near the Silver Pavilion, called Ginkaku-ji Temple, and ends at Nanzenji, covering about 2 kilometers. Along the way, you can stop at the Ginkaku-ji Temple and the Honen-in temple, both of which are among Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. There are also cafés and tea houses where you can take a break. You can grab a light lunch or even enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. To get the most from your visit, consider booking a tour. You’ll learn more about the history and beauty of the area and might even explore other cultural spots, like Kyoto's Imperial Palace.

Tetsugaku No Michi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan

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4.9 /5

27K+ reviews

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Lesly *******

1 Jul

Booked a Ramen Cooking Class here in Kyoto. Mo Mo and Amir were fantastic teachers and very friendly people. Very much enjoyed and HIGHLY recommend for everyone that loves ramen to attend this. Ramen after the class was delcicious! 10/10 recommend!

Klook客路用户

1 Jul

It was afternoon when I went there, and there was no one in the store. The lady was Japanese, she was quiet and quick, and she quickly finished the two sets of matching for me and my friend. Very nice~

Klook User

1 Jul

Yuki was our day trip tour guide for Kyoto and she was great, providing info and insights about the places we are visiting.

Klook User

30 Jun

The 2 men that taught us the process of making ramen were amazing and so friendly, they made the effort to explain things step by step so it was easy to follow and bonded over anime and ramen. A unique and one of a kind experience, it was just my partner and I which made the experience more private and enjoyable. Time just flew

클룩 회원

30 Jun

If you want to travel to Kyoto during your short Osaka trip, I think a guided tour is the best (JR or other transportation...). Also, the guide's Kyoto travel tips and explanations about Kyoto culture made for an enjoyable trip (a must-try for clams!)

reilly ********

30 Jun

I had so much fun walking around with a kimono on, it was hot but the kimono was comfy so it didnt iritate me much. They have a wide selection of kimono and the staff are so kind, they are so jolly and nice. The place is small but homey and comforting, everything is accesible. The location is near the Gion station and also the Yasaka shrine and other beautiful traditional places you can take pictures at, super recommend this place! Great for its price.

클룩 회원

29 Jun

This is my first time writing a review on Klook. I made a reservation at 10 AM on Sunday and went there, but it was quiet and they guided me quickly, so I finished choosing and setting up in 30 minutes. First of all, I liked that they let me store a certain amount of luggage! (We didn't know that and left it in a coin locker at Kyoto Station, but) They also lent me a small pouch bag, so I was able to carry my luggage without any problems. They explained to me well that I should wear a yukata instead of a kimono because the weather was getting warmer, and they only looked at the design ㅋㅋㅋ They kindly explained to me that it would be hot whenever I was choosing a kimono, so I was grateful🥹 Even though my hair was short, they put it up nicely, and they even lent me a fan, which was very useful. (You should bring your own parasol, the sunlight is really hot) Thanks to them, I was able to travel very nicely. I understood what they meant by everyone being kind. They explained everything one by one, and the person who did my hair was especially attentive, so I was really touched... . The hair is amazing... ., This quality for this price, and famous places like Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka are not too far away. 15 minutes on foot? We had a nice yukata and walked around nicely. Oh, and it was nice that there were sizes for men up to 2XL. My boyfriend also wore it in a size that fit him well. Thank you. If I come to Kyoto again, I will definitely choose it again without hesitation!!

Yu ******

29 Jun

Sakura Kimono Store has 2 branches. We went to the wrong one, but the staff was still very polite and let us have a kimono experience there. The weather was very hot, so we chose yukata. The staff who helped us put on the kimono were very nice and helped us choose accessories. They made us look very beautiful/handsome. It is a store worth recommending.

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Temples and Shrines at Philosopher's Path

Ginkaku-ji Temple

Ginkakuji Temple, or the Silver Pavilion, is a major attraction on the Philosopher's Path. This temple is famous for its stunning moss garden and the Sea of Silver Sand, featuring a unique sand cone called the Moon-Viewing Platform. The temple grounds are peaceful and perfect for a thoughtful walk. Originally, it was a shogun's retirement villa, but now it's one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto.

Hakusason-so Villa

Hakusason-so Villa is not just a museum; it shows you what traditional Japanese life is like. It was first built as a private residence and art studio for a famous painter. Today, it's the Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum. The villa also has antique pagodas and tea houses around the garden, making it an interesting stop on the Philosopher's Path.

Otoyo-jinja

You can find Otoyo-jinja, a small shrine, along the Philosopher's Path. It has cute statues of mice, which are thought to bring good luck, especially for having babies and learning. The shrine honors the god Ōkuninushi, and it attracts people, especially those born in the Year of the Rat, who want blessings.

Hōnen-in

Honen-in is a magical shrine hidden in the woods by the Lake Biwa Canal. It's along the Philosopher's Path. You enter through a mossy gate and walk between sand mounds that offer a purification experience. Inside, explore a calm stone bridge and see art exhibitions in the storehouse. Be sure to find the secret area behind the main hall, which adds a little mystery to your visit.

Eikan-do

At the southern end of the Philosopher's Path is the old temple of Eikan-dō. This place has a small rock garden and a striking Tahoto Pagoda. Going there in the fall is special because the temple's evening lights attract many visitors. Even with the crowds, the scenery makes the short walk from other places on the path worthwhile.

Cafés and Restaurants around the Philosopher's Path

Pomme Café

Pomme Café is a cafe on the Philosopher's Path. The friendly owner, Asano-san, serves fresh coffee, cake, cookies, and other treats. You can sit inside or take your snacks with you. Their tasty cookies are worth trying. It's a great spot for a quick snack while exploring the scenic path.

Riverside Café GREEN TERRACE

Riverside Café GREEN TERRACE has a beautiful view of Lake Biwa on the Philosopher's Path. Here, you can relax with a cup of tea or a light meal while enjoying the scenery. Many locals and tourists love the calm atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a peaceful break in Kyoto.

Monk

After exploring the Philosopher's Walk, you can treat yourself to a 7-course dinner at Monk. The restaurant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and often changes its menu to highlight the best flavors. You can enjoy this unique dining experience at either 5 PM or 8 PM.

Komichi

Komichi is a lovely café on the Philosopher's Path where you can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets. You can stop for a refreshing bowl of shaved ice or taste some authentic Kyoto confections. The café is a nice place to rest and try local flavors.

Kanoshojuan Teahouse

Near Tetsugaku no Michi, Kanoshojuan Teahouse is a traditional cafe. They serve real matcha with seasonal desserts and sweets that show Kyoto's rich tea culture. It's an ideal place to experience a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy the surroundings of the temple rooftops and cherry trees.

Philosopher's Path