Recommended Walking Course

Philosopher’s Path Half-Day Walking Course

Home Recommended Courses Philosopher’s Path Half-Day Walking Course

Begin at Ginkaku-ji Temple and follow the Philosopher’s Path south toward Nanzen-ji Temple, visiting Honen-in, Anraku-ji, and Eikan-do along the way. This peaceful half-day route combines a scenic canal-side walk with tranquil temples surrounded by the natural beauty of eastern Kyoto.

Walking distance

Approx. 3.5 km

Duration

Approx. 4–5 hours

Recommended start

Around 9:00 a.m.

Walking conditions

Mostly flat with some gentle slopes

Arashiyama Course Map

Course Map

The numbered markers correspond to the order of the walking route.

Arashiyama Walking Route

Walking Route

After visiting Ginkaku-ji Temple, follow the canal-side Philosopher’s Path south and explore several peaceful temples before reaching Nanzen-ji Temple.

1
Ginkaku-ji Temple

STOP 01

Ginkaku-ji Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage temple founded as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Its dry landscape garden, moss-covered grounds, and refined architecture embody Kyoto’s Higashiyama culture.

Suggested visit： About 60 min.
View details
About a 5-minute walk to the next stop
2
Philosopher’s Path

STOP 02

Philosopher’s Path

A scenic canal-side path stretching for around two kilometers. Named after philosopher Kitaro Nishida, who is said to have walked here while deep in thought, it is especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Suggested visit： About 30–40 min.
View details
About a 5-minute walk to the next stop
3
Honen-in Temple

STOP 03

Honen-in Temple

A peaceful temple at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains. Its thatched gate, moss-covered grounds, and carefully patterned white sand mounds create a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.

Suggested visit： About 30 min.
View details
About a 5-minute walk to the next stop
4
Anraku-ji Temple

STOP 04

Anraku-ji Temple

A small temple associated with Honen’s disciples Juren and Anraku. Its stone steps and thatched gate are particularly picturesque, while the grounds usually open only during selected seasonal periods.

Suggested visit： About 15–30 min.
View details
About a 20-minute walk to the next stop
5
Eikan-do Temple

STOP 05

Eikan-do Temple

One of Kyoto’s most celebrated autumn foliage temples. Highlights include the unusual Looking-Back Amida statue, atmospheric temple halls, and a hillside pagoda overlooking the grounds.

Suggested visit： About 45–60 min.
View details
About a 7-minute walk to the next stop
6
Nanzen-ji Temple

STOP 06

Nanzen-ji Temple

One of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Its massive Sanmon Gate, traditional gardens, and red-brick Suirokaku Aqueduct create a distinctive landscape where historic architecture meets modern engineering.

Suggested visit： About 60 min.
View details
Final stop

Route Highlights

  • Explore Ginkaku-ji Temple and its elegant gardens, closely associated with Kyoto’s Higashiyama culture
  • Enjoy a relaxing walk along the canal-side Philosopher’s Path
  • Visit peaceful temples such as Honen-in and Anraku-ji away from the busiest sightseeing areas
  • Continue through Eikan-do, famous for autumn foliage, before finishing at Nanzen-ji Temple

Before You Start

Times shown are approximate. The total duration will vary depending on temple visits, breaks, and crowd levels. Anraku-ji Temple is generally closed to the public and may only open during special seasonal viewing periods. When it is closed, the temple gate can still be viewed from outside.

※The numbered markers indicate the order of the course. They may not exactly follow the actual roads or walking paths.