Title: Philosopher's Path in Sakyo Ward | Expedia.co.uk [Philosopher's Path Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Philosophers-Walk-Hotels.0-l6076292-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Philosopher's Path Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Philosophers-Path.d6076292.Car-Hire-Guide)[Sakyo Ward Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Sakyo-Ward.d6004144.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Philosopher's Path ![Philosopher's Path](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6076292/f36cda92-6966-445a-9dc5-ff5b801b4deb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Philosopher's Path](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6076292/1e1ef502-9f2d-44fe-a93e-abeb23982339.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Philosopher's Path](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6076292/ec252047-7e23-4773-81b5-775c8674e7c2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Philosopher's Path](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6076292/08dbb2d7-863e-4517-967f-c21e8eb732ac.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Philosopher's Path](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6076292/5e98aba8-8810-4a82-90a8-9ffc88f95d39.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Philosopher's Path Activities --- --- #### This is a great walk to orient yourself around Kyōto. Stroll along a cherry tree-lined canal and visit shrines, temples, gardens and boutiques. The Philosopher’s Walk in Kyōto gets its name from one of Japan’s most famous philosophy professors, Nishida Kitarō (1870-1945), who is said to have taken this walk as his daily meditation. The trail runs alongside a canal. It begins at the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, goes past Eikando Temple and several shrines and ends at Nanzenji Temple. The walk is particularly scenic in April, when the area comes alive with the profusion of blossoms on the hundreds of cherry trees. The walk itself is only about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) and takes roughly half an hour. It’s best to give yourself at least a few hours, however, so you can explore the sights along the way. The area is also full of restaurants where you can try katsu curry, in which the main meat ingredient is breadcrumbed, engage in a tea ceremony, and have kaiseki, a traditional multicourse dinner. The canal, built during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), is crossed by picturesque bridges and surrounded by greenery. It begins a little way from the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, where you’ll find a moss garden, an unusual dry sand garden and temple buildings containing statues of the goddess of mercy. From here you will pass Honen-in Temple, Anrakuji Temple, and two shrines with beautiful gardens. The path will also take you close to Eikando Temple, which is arranged at the base of a hill. Its buildings are connected by wooden walkways. In the fall, the temple is open later in the evenings and lit up so that the brilliant reds of the leaves in the gardens glow. Nanzenji is the last temple on the Philosopher’s Walk. Entry to Nanzenji’s main temple grounds is free, but there is a fee to see inside some of the buildings. Make sure you climb to the top of the Sanmon gate for views over the city, and visit the head priest’s residence to see the Zen rock garden, and tiger paintings in gold leaf on the sliding doors. The Philosopher’s Walk is in the Higashiyama district. Buses run from Eikando Temple back into central Kyōto. ## Plan a trip to see Philosopher's Path Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Hotel Traveltine Kyoto Kiyamachi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104160000/104156300/104156255/d8110f9d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Hotel Traveltine Kyoto Kiyamachi Shimogyo Ward £1,392 per person 21 May - 24 May found 1 day ago Additional charges may apply Return direct flight included London (LHR) to Osaka (KIX) 9.4/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews) The location of the hotel was perfect for exploring Kyoto. Everything we wanted to see was easily accessible, with great restaurants, shops, and transportation nearby. The hotel itself was really good—very clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The staff was friendly and the overall experience made our stay in Kyoto even better. I would definitely recommend staying here. Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026 ![THE THOUSAND KYOTO](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/30000000/29400000/29394000/29393917/3f101b6a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### THE THOUSAND KYOTO Shimogyo Ward £2,412 per person 21 May - 24 May found 1 day ago Additional charges may apply Return direct flight included London (LHR) to Osaka (KIX) 9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews) A New, clean & fresh hotel with a very convenient location Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026 ![Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101210000/101206100/101206013/cb0956e2_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER Downtown Kyoto £1,689 per person 21 May - 24 May found 1 day ago Additional charges may apply Return direct flight included London (LHR) to Osaka (KIX) 9.8/10 Exceptional! (368 reviews) This place was 10/10\. The staff was phenomenal, so kind and helpful. From the welcome drinks to the origami given to my little one helping us get Yamato luggage forwarding situated, they gladly went above and beyond. They have complimentary umbrellas to use when it rains. Rooms are so clean and modern, although no much space for your luggage, but the in-room washer/dryer was awesome. We didn’t try out the onsen or gym but looked great. The hotel itself is so zen and impeccable. Not many kids but definitely kid friendly. Worth the upgrade to stay here. We tried the restaurant for dinner and breakfast. Dinner was 10/10 and breakfast 7/10 but portions are small for the price but it was convenient. Will definitely be back to this location! Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026 ### Popular places to visit ![Honen-in Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6078304/8c61569e-213c-47ae-8ef4-8b21b9b61f03.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Honen-in Temple This is a shrine devoted to a peaceful and learned environment with an impressive gate, natural greenery and a serene atmosphere. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Honen-In-Temple-Sakyo-Ward.d6078304.Attraction) ![Eikan-do Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6204598/672aa58f-07ba-4d06-bbdc-1ecca2ebe5b4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Eikan-do Temple Explore this hillside temple which features a statue with an unusual history, connected wooden walkways, a bathhouse and a steam house. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Eikan-Do-Temple-Sakyo-Ward.d6204598.Attraction) ![Nanzen-ji Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6076278/5b1e277c-e188-41cc-939f-58a5c87b4afb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Nanzen-ji Temple Art, elaborate gardens and a giant gate await at this temple that stands tall as one of the most important of its kind in the country. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nanzenji-Temple-Kyoto.d6076278.Attraction) ![Ginkaku-ji Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/10323/beaa80ad-1889-4fe0-a062-d8dacea66b7c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ginkaku-ji Temple You can find out about the history of Kyoto when you stop by Ginkaku-ji Temple. Discover the fascinating museums and temples in this culturally rich area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Temple-Of-The-Silver-Pavilion-Sakyo-Ward.d501446.Attraction) #### Otoyo Shrine After visiting Otoyo Shrine, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Otoyo-Shrine-Sakyo-Ward.d553248621584289403.Attraction) #### Reikan-ji Temple After visiting Reikan-ji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kyoto. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants. 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