Philosopher's Path is a narrow stone paved trail stretching between Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzenji Temple. This path is well known for cherry blossoms along with a canal. But each season offers different charms. It is named after a famous Japanese philosopher, Kitaro Nishida. He had a meditation while walking this path on his commute to Kyoto University.
On this tour, you will visit two zen temples. Ginkakuji temple, or Silver Pavilion, was built by the Shogun, modeling after Kinkakuji Temple or Golden pavilion. The pavilion was originally intended to be covered with silver, but that didn't happen. The temple is famous for its Japanese gardens. You can enjoy both a beautiful dry garden and moss garden. Nanzenji Temple is the zen temple with the highest states in the Rinzai Sect of Buddhism in Japan. It's the big temple complex and some of them are well known for their dry gardens. The temple is also famous for its huge entrance gate where you can see a wonderful view from its balcony.
Duration: 5 hours approx. 9:00-14:00
Meeting Point: Kyoto Station Central Gate
Transportation: City Bus
Itinerary: Meet at Kyoto Station - (city bus) - Ginkakuji Temple - (on foot) - Philosoper's path - (on foot) - Nanzenji Temple - (city bus) - Kyoto Station
What's included: Guide fee
What's not included: Entrance fee, Transportation fee, Meal
The tour starts at Kyoto Station and takes a 40-minute bus ride to Ginkakuji Temple or Silver Pavilion. Ginkakuji Temple was built in the 15 century, modeling after Kinkakuji Temple or Golden Pavilion. Unlike Golden Pavilion, Silver Pavilion offers a humble and tranquil atmosphere. The charms of the temple are a unique dry sand garden and a beautiful moss garden. Two features of the sand garden, called Kogetsudai, or the Moon Viewing Platform, represents Mt. Fuji while Ginshadan, or the Silver Sand Sea, represents the ocean. Both of these are magnificent. You can also see a beautiful moss garden. If you climb a hill behind the temple building, you will see a nice view of the entire temple ground and the cityscape.
After you leave the temple, you will have a nice walk through Philosopher's Path stretching between Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzenji Temple. Many people come to this trail to see beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, but autumn is also great to wander. You can stop by some small peaceful temples, shrines and cozy cafe or shops along with a quiet stream of a canal. About an-hour's walk takes you to Nanzenji Temple. one of the greatest entrance gates in Kyoto will come into your sight. You can climb up to the balcony of the gate and see a wide view of the city from there. In the main hall, there are beautiful various dry gardens. The paintings on sliding doors are also highly regarded. Outside of the building, you will see a modern architecture, the aqueduct which brings water from Lake Biwa in the neighboring prefecture to the city. This is a very popular photo spot.
Afterwards, you will take a subway to get back to Kyoto Station.