Blooming sakura trees along Philosopher's path of Kyoto in April

Meditating under a cherry tree along the philosopher’s path , should be an experience of a life time. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to do it as a traveller, who is always on the move.

The philosopher’s path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) in Kyoto , is a pleasant stone path for pedestrians. It is about two kilometers long, which stretches between Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavillion) and Nanzen-ji  Temple .

The stone path follows a canal, which is actually just a deep drain to me. Water level was not that deep during my visit in mid April 2012. Jumping across the canal, or rather the drain is certainly possible if you are a long jump athlete. Should you just miss the jump and fall into the canal, I'm sure you won't be badly injured. But, I can assure you that, other fellow Japanese travellers around , will certainly stop you from jumping, for you will very much disturb the serene environment, which the Japanese and most other travellers enjoy a lot.

Hundred of cherry trees line the canal. We were just lucky enough to have come right on the blooming season.  Walking along the path, under the cherry blossoms is such a wonderful experience. And I was not able to catch, even half of its beauty and serenity   with my amateurish photographic skill.

The path gained its name after a famous Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who practised meditation while walking this route to Kyoto University.

To experience the serenity of  the Philosopher’s path, you can either start from  Ginkaku-ji  or from the Nanzen-ji Temple.

As mentioned in my previous post – “ There is no subway service to Ginkaku-ji Temple”  , there are several buses that go to Ginkaku-ji. Please refer to this post for transport details for Ginkaku-ji.

If you will decide to start the philosopher’s path from Nanzen-ji Temple, you may take bus No 5 or take the Tozai line subway to Keaga (T09),and walk to Nanzen-ji temple. However, I find it convenient to visit Ginkaku-ji fisrt and follow by the philosopher’s path.

Couple sharing a romantic moment

Met no philosopher..a cool artist under a cherry blossom tree. Have you ever seen a man in purple trousers ?



Apart from cherry blossom, another type of flower in full bloom. Clusters of attractive yellow trumpets along the philosopher's path



I actually saw the owner feeding his doggie with fallen petals, but he didn't seem to appreciate it and kept turning his head away.



Just stunning , only when there is no rain !!

The philosopher's path in spring is actually a lot more prettier than this photo, my amateurish photographic skill can't even capture 20% of its real beauty

Ripe berries hanging across the clear canal. Kyoto tourism board has done a good job to keep the place and the canal in good shape.

We ended our trip to the philosopher's path in Kyoto here,did not go to the other of the path,Nanzen-ji Temple. And walked a short distance to the main road to catch another bus to Heian Shrine.

When trying to find out the correct bus to Heian Shrine, which is just along the same way , as with Ginkaku-ji Temple and Philosopher's path.

We actually came across a lady from Osaka, who happened to be in Kyoto for business. Obviosly, she had no idea of the city bus system as any other tourist like myself. But, There is one thing good about the Japanese to their tourists....They will very often,  try to find out the answer whenever they is an enquiry.

This kind lady actually checked it out for us, and walked back to inform us, and at the same time made sure that we would not go to the wrong bus stop , at the opposite side of the road.