Page 209 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

A SHORT WALK
THE The Philosopher’s
KYOTO
PHILOSOPHER’S Walk

WALK
GINKAKUJICHO Locator Map
Ginkaku-ji For more detail see p182
Distance 1.2 miles (2 km) Time 25 minutes
Nearest station Mototanaka
Miroku-in
One of Kyoto’s best-loved spots, the Philosopher’s Walk
follows a cherry-tree-lined canal meandering along the base INSIDER TIP
Shishigatani Canal
of the scenic Higashi yama (Eastern Mountains) between A Tranquil Path
JODOJI Honen-in Ginkaku-ji south to Kumano-Nyakuoji Shrine, and connects For perfect harmony
S H I S H I G A T A N I - D OR I
with roads leading to the precincts of Nanzen-ji. The of peace and natural
pedestrian path is so-named because a Kyoto University beauty, try an early
philosophy professor, Nishida Kitaro (1870–1945), used it morning walk among
for his daily constitutional. A range of relaxed cafés, art the petals. You’ll find
and craft shops, restaurants, and boutiques are scattered it easier to imagine
along the scenic route. The path becomes a veritable prom- Kitaro medi tating
enade during the cherry and maple seasons, as couples along the canal with -
Anraku-ji from all over the Kansai region flock to enjoy its unspoiled out the crowds.
nature blossoming before their eyes.
Reigan-ji
SHISHIGATANI

Otoyo-jinja

Koun-ji Shishigatani Canal

S H I S H I G A T A N I - D O R I
Kumano-
Nyakuoji Shrine
Eikan-do

NANZENJI

Sanmon
Nanzen-ji

0 meters 300 N
Tranquil waters in
0 yards 300 the picturesque garden
of Ginkaku-ji Temple
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