Step into a fairytale at Philosopher's Path Kyoto, where cherry blossoms paint the perfect dreamy escape.
If you're planning to visit Kyoto this spring, there are many places where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. Some spots are always crowded and famous, and Philosopher's Path is no exception.
History of Philosopher's Path Kyoto
The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto is called Tetsugaku No Michi (哲学の道) in Japanese. The name actually comes from a Japanese philosopher in history.
In the early 20th century, Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher and professor at Kyoto University, became a big name in Japanese moral philosophy, math, science, and religious studies. He even founded the Kyoto School of Philosophy. Every morning, he took peaceful walks along a quiet path, deep in thought.
The location still evokes a sense of Kyoto's past, featuring old-style houses alongside well-preserved canals and trees. Thus, besides attracting many visitors today, this place helps you appreciate how the Japanese philosopher walked here daily.
Location and Distance of Philosopher's Path Kyoto
Since the Japanese philosopher walked this path every morning to soak it all in, it’s also a nice spot for ordinary people like us to chill and explore for a while.
Where is Philosopher's Path Kyoto
This cherry blossom path runs along the canal between Nyakuoji Bridge and Ginkakuji Bridge.
If you're looking for more easy-to-reach spots, the Nyakuoji Bridge is super close to famous historical sites like Eikan-do Temple, which gets extra busy during the autumn leaves. As you're strolling through the Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto, you'll find Shinnyo-do Temple not too far away, and it's really popular when the leaves change color too.
Also, it's the way to the long-lasting Zen temple with beautiful gardens, like Higashiyama Jisho-ji.
How Long to Walk Philosopher's Path Kyoto
Walking for one kilometer takes about 15 minutes. Therefore, walking along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, which follows a picturesque cherry-tree-lined canal for about two kilometers, may take more than 30 minutes.
This is because you might stop to take numerous photos or pause along the way to enjoy the lovely atmosphere.
But don't worry about going hungry on your journey—there are some fabulous restaurants and cafes to visit along the way.
I highly recommend beginning your walk at Keage Incline, the historic site next to Keage Station. It takes about 15 minutes from Keage Station to start a breathtaking adventure at the beginning of the Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto.
Keage Incline is the site of a former railway track. It's renowned for its breathtaking clusters of cherry blossoms that line a nearly 600-meter slope. This location is ideal for a dreamy photoshoot with your significant other, both dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos.
Is Philosopher's Walk Kyoto Worth It?
It's one of the cozy spots in Kyoto where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. Although many people visit during the peak season of spring, you can still find plenty of open spaces and walkways that make it easy to stop and take pictures.
Imagine walking under the shade of cherry blossoms along with traditional Japanese houses and stores; it's totally worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Philosopher's Path Kyoto
Did you know that cherry blossoms in the Kansai area start to bloom in late March and peak in the first week of April? This spot is also the case.
Date
Sakura is in full bloom during the last week of March (I went there on 27 March)
Time
If you want to beat the crowds and capture the perfect shot, hit up those popular spots early, around 7 to 8 am.
I arrived at noon to bask in the warm and radiant sunlight for my photos. However, it didn't seem packed, which was great because everyone kept moving, and people didn't get stuck in one place.
How to Get There
Getting to the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto depends on where you want to start walking.
If You Prefer to Start from the North
From Kyoto Station, get off at Marutamachi Station on the Subway Karasuma Line. Change to city bus No. 204 and get off at the Ginkakuji-Michi stop.
From Kyoto Station, get off at Imadegawa Station on the Subway Karasuma Line. Transfer to city bus No. 203 and alight at the Ginkakuji-Michi stop.
You can also take city bus No. 7 or No. 5 and get off at the Ginkakuji-Michi stop. However, it will be crowded during the sightseeing season, so transferring to the subway station would be faster.
If You Prefer to Start from the South
From Kyoto Station, take the Subway to Karasuma Line, transfer to the Tozai Line at Karasuma-Oike Station, get off at Keage Station, and walk for about 15 to 20 minutes.
You can also take city bus No. 5 and get off at the Nanzenji Eikando-mae stop.
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