Philosophers Walk
Philosophers Walk 哲学の道
Overview
Philosopher's Walk (Path) is one of Kyoto's great strolls. The narrow path follows a canal that is lined with cherry trees. It is also full of temples and shrines, galleries and cafes. The path is so named because it was the site of the daily walk of Kitarao Nishida (1870 - 1943), a Japanese philosopher. The total length is 2.3 km (1.3 miles). Note: you will probably have to get off your bike and walk for parts of the trip, particularly in spring and fall when the area is thronged with tourists.
This ride starts at Nanzenji Temple - though you could just as easily begin at the other end. Nanzenji was established in 1291 C.E. by Emperor Kameyama and is one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto. Nanzenji belongs to the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. It has 12 sub-temples and extensive grounds. It was originally a villa for the above emperor. The brick aqueduct that was Kyoto's engineering marvel of the 19th century is adjacent to Nanzenji.
Eikando Temple was founded in 863 C.E., destroyed in the Onin War (1467-1477), and is the headquarters of the Jodoshu Seizan Zenrin-ji sect.
Honen-in Temple was founded in 1680 to honor Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. It has a quiet other worldly feel that is removed from the city and even the clamor of the path below. There are several perfectly maintained sand mounds within.
Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) is a zen temple that Ashikaga Yoshimasa envisioned as a retirement villa. A World Heritage Site, it was completed in 1490, three years after his death. It belongs to the Shokoku school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. It is perhaps the greatest expression of Japanese artistic sensibility. It features sand mounds, extensive gardens, and the "silver" pavilion (it is not silver).
Also of interest is the Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery. It is a short walk from the Silver Pavilion and noted on the map below.
For those in need of a great bath, there is an old style public bath very close to the Silver Pavilion. From the corner of Shirakawa - Imadegawa, if you are heading towards Ginkakuji turn right at the first street. It is a small street with a canal on the right. The bathhouse is the second building on the left and called, appropriately, Ginkakuji Yu.
Getting to the Starting Point
If you are coming from downtown, ride due east up Sanjo towards Keage. With the Westin Miyako Hotel on your right, turn left and glide down the hill to the first light. Kyoto International House is on your left.
At the first light, turn right. Nanzenji is just up and to the right.
Honen-in
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Philosopher's Walk
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Directions (Map Below)
From Nanzenji and Eikando, just follow the winding cherry tree-lined path.
Total Riding Time
Two hours walking/riding time.
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| Eikando Temple | Silver Pavilion |
More Information
Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
2 Ginkaku-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
075 771 5725
Entrance Fee: 600 yen
Honen-in
30 Shishigatani, Goshonodan-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
075-771-2420
Entrance Fee: Free
Eikando Temple
075 761 0007
Entrance Fee: 600 yen
Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji-Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
075 771 8311
Entrance Fee: 500 yen for Sanmon Gate (there are other fees for sub-temples)
Ginkakuji Yu Public Bath
32 Jodoji, Ishibashicho, Shirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
075 771 0365
Entrance Fee: 410 yen
Map
Philosopher's Walk Route
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