Philosopher's Walk

The Philosopher's Walk is a stone footpath in Sakyō-ku, Japan, stretching two kilometers along a canal linking Ginkakuji Temple with Nanzenji Temple. Hundreds of cherry trees line both banks of the waterway, forming a tunnel of pink blossoms over the route in spring.

The waterway opened in 1890 as part of a system bringing water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto and powering the first hydroelectric plant in Japan. The route later became known for morning walks taken by a Kyoto University professor between 1910 and 1940.

The path takes its name from a professor who walked here each morning to think through questions that occupied his mind. Today locals use the route for their daily stroll, while visitors come especially in spring when the cherry trees flower.

Buses on line 204 or 93 take visitors from Marutamachi Station to the northern end of the path near Ginkakuji Temple. Walking the route takes about 30 minutes, though this extends if you pause at smaller temples or cafés along the waterway.

The route appears on the list of 100 Best Roads in Japan, an accolade normally reserved for larger thoroughfares. Several small temples sit tucked among the trees along the way, including Honen-in with its doorway shaped like an open book.

Location: 左京区

Inception: January 1, 1890

Part of: 100 Best Roads in Japan

Address: Tetsugaku No Michi, 浄土寺石橋町 左京区 京都市 京都府 606-8426, Japan

Phone: +81753430548

Website: https://tetsugakunomichi.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.02158,135.79468

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:16