The Thinking
SUE BRATTLE
3/5
Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
THE story goes that this was the walk a famous professor of philosophy at Kyoto University took every day to work. His name was Kitaro Nishida, and he retired in 1927. I’d never heard of him, but the walk appealed as I was getting templed-out. However, as this is Japan, the walk starts and finishes with a temple, and there are several in-between.
This is simply a pretty and quiet wander along a canal in an attractive suburb of Kyoto. You get to the start by bus or train and I suppose you could tick it off your to-do list in about an hour. But that would miss the point. The Professor studied Absolute Nothingness, so take him as your guide. Amble at your own pace, empty your mind and enjoy the moment.
You’ll probably start at the Temple of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), which began life 500-odd years ago as a shogun’s retirement home. If this is crowded, don’t be put off. In my experience, on a mid-late morning in May, the pavilion’s moss garden and sand garden were busy, with security guards controlling queues.
But as you leave, the people vanish; after the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, it was just delightful to be strolling on a country lane. If you’re in Japan in early April for cherry blossom time, I imagine this would be a very different story and you’d probably be hard-pushed to find tranquillity along this particular path.
Now it’s time to slow down; little bridges across the canal are picture-perfect, but it’s the peace and quiet that are the stars of this attraction. You can take a look at the temples, although there are 1,599 more in Kyoto for you to choose from (I’m not kidding).
Instead, take a break in one of the cafés along the way and watch the world go by. Browse some of the little craft shops, enjoy the fresh air and take your time.
Before you know it, you’ll be coming to the end of the path. Here you’ll find the wooden Nanzen-ji Temple, which is huge, beautiful and has a very steep staircase (I mean “clinging to a rope to help you up and down” steep) that takes you up to a balcony for stunning views of the surrounding hills.
The gardens are tranquil, and there’s a peaceful air here.
And if all this peace and tranquillity has got you in the mood for more walking, you can stroll from here, along a disused railway line bordered by another canal, to the lovely old town of Gion with its souvenir shops and traditional houses.
A nice, easy-going morning in Kyoto.
Top tip: It’s not a hike but a stroll; take water to drink. Verdict: One of Japan’s simple pleasures.
Top photo: The Philosopher’s Path.
Updated May 2020
MORE INFO
OFFICIAL KYOTO TOURISM site, with details of sights and attractions, seasonal events, recommended hotels and advice on brewing Japanese tea. READ MORE
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LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH!
The Thinking
Person’s Walk
SUE BRATTLE
Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
3/5
THE story goes that this was the walk a famous professor of philosophy at Kyoto University took every day to work. His name was Kitaro Nishida, and he retired in 1927. I’d never heard of him, but the walk appealed as I was getting templed-out. However, as this is Japan, the walk starts and finishes with a temple, and there are several in-between.
This is simply a pretty and quiet wander along a canal in an attractive suburb of Kyoto. You get to the start by bus or train and I suppose you could tick it off your to-do list in about an hour. But that would miss the point. The Professor studied Absolute Nothingness, so take him as your guide. Amble at your own pace, empty your mind and enjoy the moment.
You’ll probably start at the Temple of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), which began life 500-odd years ago as a shogun’s retirement home. If this is crowded, don’t be put off. In my experience, on a mid-late morning in May, the pavilion’s moss garden and sand garden were busy, with security guards controlling queues.
But as you leave, the people vanish; after the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, it was just delightful to be strolling on a country lane. If you’re in Japan in early April for cherry blossom time, I imagine this would be a very different story and you’d probably be hard-pushed to find tranquillity along this particular path.
Now it’s time to slow down; little bridges across the canal are picture-perfect, but it’s the peace and quiet that are the stars of this attraction. You can take a look at the temples, although there are 1,599 more in Kyoto for you to choose from (I’m not kidding). Instead, take a break in one of the cafés along the way and watch the world go by. Browse some of the little craft shops, enjoy the fresh air and take your time.
Before you know it, you’ll be coming to the end of the path. Here you’ll find the wooden Nanzen-ji Temple, which is huge, beautiful and has a very steep staircase (I mean “clinging to a rope to help you up and down” steep) that takes you up to a balcony for stunning views of the surrounding hills. The gardens are tranquil, and there’s a peaceful air here.
And if all this peace and tranquillity has got you in the mood for more walking, you can stroll from here, along a disused railway line bordered by another canal, to the lovely old town of Gion with its souvenir shops and traditional houses. A nice, easy-going morning in Kyoto.
Top tip: It’s not a hike but a stroll; take water to drink. Verdict: One of Japan’s simple pleasures.
Top photo: The Philosopher’s Path.
Updated May 2020
MORE INFO
OFFICIAL KYOTO TOURISM site, with details of sights and attractions, seasonal events, recommended hotels and advice on brewing Japanese tea. READ MORE
RELATED
INTEREST IN VISITING JAPAN is growing as the country prepares to host the Olympics. How will this affect Kyoto, which is already packed with tourists? READ MORE
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SHIMLA, QUEEN OF THE HILLS: Government officials once retreated to Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas to escape India’s blazing hot summers. Now tourists make the same journey. READ MORE
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Disclosure: Afaranwide is an affiliate of leading travel operators such as Japan Rail Pass and Booking.com. If you purchase through our site we receive, at no additional cost to you, a small commission. We only work with companies we have used and recommend.
LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH!
The Thinking Person's Walk
SUE BRATTLE
Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto, Japan
3/5
THE story goes that this was the walk a famous professor of philosophy at Kyoto University took every day to work. His name was Kitaro Nishida, and he retired in 1927.
I’d never heard of him, but the walk appealed as I was getting templed-out. However, as this is Japan, the walk starts and finishes with a temple, and there are several in-between.
This is simply a pretty and quiet wander along a canal in an attractive suburb of Kyoto. You get to the start by bus or train and I suppose you could tick it off your to-do list in about an hour.
But that would miss the point. The Professor studied Absolute Nothingness, so take him as your guide. Amble at your own pace, empty your mind and enjoy the moment.
You’ll probably start at the Temple of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), which began life 500-odd years ago as a shogun’s retirement home. If this is crowded, don’t be put off.
In my experience, on a mid-late morning in May, the pavilion’s moss garden and sand garden were busy, with security guards controlling queues. But as you leave, the people vanish; after the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, it was just delightful to be strolling on a country lane.
If you’re in Japan in early April for cherry blossom time, I imagine this would be a very different story and you’d probably be hard-pushed to find tranquillity along this particular path.
Now it’s time to slow down; little bridges across the canal are picture-perfect, but it’s the peace and quiet that are the stars of this attraction. You can take a look at the temples, although there are 1,599 more in Kyoto for you to choose from (I’m not kidding).
Instead, take a break in one of the cafés along the way and watch the world go by. Browse some of the little craft shops, enjoy the fresh air and take your time.
Before you know it, you’ll be coming to the end of the path. Here you’ll find the wooden Nanzen-ji Temple, which is huge, beautiful and has a very steep staircase (I mean “clinging to a rope to help you up and down” steep) that takes you up to a balcony for stunning views of the surrounding hills. The gardens are tranquil, and there’s a peaceful air here.
And if all this peace and tranquillity has got you in the mood for more walking, you can stroll from here, along a disused railway line bordered by another canal, to the lovely old town of Gion with its souvenir shops and traditional houses. A nice, easy-going morning in Kyoto.
Top tip: It’s not a hike but a stroll; take water to drink. Verdict: One of Japan’s simple pleasures.
Top photo: The Philosopher’s Path.
Updated May 2020
MORE INFO
OFFICIAL KYOTO TOURISM site, with details of sights and attractions, seasonal events, recommended hotels and advice on brewing Japanese tea. READ MORE
RELATED
INTEREST IN VISITING JAPAN is growing as the country prepares to host the Olympics. How will this affect Kyoto, which is already packed with tourists? READ MORE
SUSHI FOR BREAKFAST? Tsukiji Fish Market, a Tokyo institution and popular tourist attraction for decades, has closed. Shops and restaurants remain – are they worth visiting? READ MORE
CHERRY BLOSSOM CRUSH: Each year in late March cherry blossom season arrives in Beijing in all its glory. What could be better, you might think, than a relaxing stroll through one of the city’s many fine parks gazing at the beautiful pink blooms… READ MORE
RECOMMENDED
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD! Afaranwide’s home page – this is where you can find out about our latest posts and other highlights. READ MORE
TOP 10 VIRTUAL ATTRACTIONS: Many of the world’s most popular tourists sites are closed because of the coronavirus crisis, but you can still visit them virtually while you’re self-isolating. READ MORE
SHIMLA, QUEEN OF THE HILLS: Government officials once retreated to Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas to escape India’s blazing hot summers. Now tourists make the same journey. READ MORE
TEN THINGS WE LEARNED: Our up-to-the-minute guide to creating a website, one step at a time. The costs, the mistakes – it’s what we wish we’d known when we started blogging. READ MORE
TROUBLED TIMES FOR EXPATS: Moving abroad can seem an idyllic prospect, but what happens when sudden upheavals or the inescapable realities of life intrude? READ MORE
Disclosure: Afaranwide is an affiliate of leading travel operators such as Japan Rail Pass and Booking.com. If you purchase through our site we receive, at no additional cost to you, a small commission. We only work with companies we have used and recommend.