PHILOSOPHERS' PATH
This very popular 2km walking path goes from Ginkaku-ji to the surroundings of Nanzen-ji. It is perfectly marked and follows a small canal through a peaceful landscape. In spring, beautiful cherry trees bloom along the path. It is named after the philosopher and professor at Kyoto University Kitarō Nishida (1870-1945), who used to take contemplative walks there on his way to the university. One of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century in Japan, Kitarō Nishida had founded the "Kyoto School" and much of his philosophy was about reconciling Western thought with Eastern thought.
Philosophers' Path has gained a reputation as the most beautiful viewpoint in Kyoto during hanami, the period of cherry blossom contemplation in March and April. At that time, the path is crowded and crowded. Even so, the walk retains a contemplative feel as it passes close to a number of temples and shrines such as the Hōnen-in, Ōtoyo-jinja and Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji.
Walking at one's own pace, it takes nearly half an hour, but one can easily stay for an entire afternoon strolling along the path and the small stalls in the area.
The canal that the path follows was built during the Meiji era to revitalize the economy of the region. It extends for 20km to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. A beautiful aqueduct can be seen not far from Nanzen-ji.
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