Page 176 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

174  JAP AN REGION B Y REGION

r The Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher©s Walk
One of Kyoto’s best-loved spots, the Philosopher’s Walk follows a cherry-tree-lined canal
meandering along the base of the scenic Higashi yama (Eastern Mountains) between
Ginkaku-ji south to Kumano-Nyakuoji Shrine, and connects with roads leading to the
precincts of Nanzen-ji. The route is so-named because a Kyoto University philosophy
professor, Nishida Kitaro (1870–1945), used it for his daily constitutional. Coffee and craft
shops, restaurants, and boutiques are scattered along the route. The path becomes a
veritable promenade during the cherry and maple seasons, as couples from all over the
Kansai region flock to enjoy its unspoiled natural beauty.

Ginkaku-ji
Northern
Kyoto 1 J
Miroku-in
Cherry blossoms along the canal
Shishigatani Canal
S H I S H I G A T A N I - D O RI
Honen-in
2 1 Ginkaku-ji
Often heaving with tour groups,
Ginkaku-ji’s so-called Silver
Pavilion is set within a remarkable
garden with ponds, raked gravel
garden, and pine trees.
2 Honen-in Anraku-ji 3 Otoyo-jinja
A short walk uphill, this Over a bridge to the east,
small, Jodo-sect temple, Reigan-ji Otoyo-jinja is one of a few
with its rustic, thatched small Shinto shrines among
gate and mounds of the great Buddhist founda-
raked sand, is well worth tions of the Higashiyama.
the detour from the
canal path.
Otoyo-jinja
4 Eikan-do 3
This park-like temple complex of
buildings connected by corridors
houses an Amida Buddha. There Shishigatani Canal
are good views of Kyoto from S H I S H I G A T A N I - D O R I Koun-ji
the pagoda.
Key Kumano- 5 Nanzen-ji
0 meters 200 Nyakuoji Shrine
Walk route Rebuilt after the
0 yards 200 Eikan-do disastrous Onin
Okazaki
Park 4 War (1467–77),
J most of Zen
temple Nanzen-
Tips for Walkers ji’s structures date
Starting points: Ginkaku-ji Gate from the 17th
(to walk north to south) or century, apart from
Nanzen-ji (south to north). this celebrated,
Length: 2 km (1 mile). Murin-An and Western-style Meiji-
Refreshments: En-route, Kyoto Station 5 period aqueduct.
especially yudofu (see p178) rest- J Nanzen-ji
aurants in precincts of Nanzen-ji. Sanmon

For keys to symbols see back flap

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