Philosopher's Path from Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji
The Silver Pavilion at opening, the canal path under the cherry trees, Honen-in's thatched gate, the maples of Eikan-do and Nanzen-ji's brick aqueduct.
Last updated 2026-09-03 · 1-day self-guided plan
Philosopher's Path
Five temples on one canal, walked north to south
For anyone who likes to see a city on foot: a single downhill line of temples with cafés between them and no bus needed until the end.
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Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion
Bus 5, 17 or 100 from Kyoto Station takes about 35 minutes to Ginkakuji-michi; walk up the shop-lined lane to be at the gate by 8:30. The pavilion was never silvered; what you get is a sand garden raked into a cone and a moss garden that climbs the hillside to a view back over the roofs. It is a one-way loop, 30 minutes if you do not linger.
1 HourCost: ¥500–1,000 - 2
Philosopher's Path, northern half
The canal path starts just below the temple and runs about 2 km south under cherry trees; the philosopher Nishida Kitaro walked it every day. In early April it is a tunnel of blossom and a slow shuffle; the rest of the year it is a quiet lane of cafés, craft shops and cats. Stop for a coffee halfway.
45 MinutesCost: Free 
3Honen-in
A signposted turn uphill from the path leads to Honen-in, whose thatched gate opens onto two raked sand mounds shaped to the season. The grounds are free and often empty; the main hall opens only for a week or two in spring and autumn. It is the calmest ten minutes of the day.
30 MinutesCost: Free
4Eikan-do
Have lunch at the southern end of the path first, then Eikan-do around 13:30. Covered walkways link halls up the hillside to the Tahoto pagoda, and the pond garden with its arched bridge is why the temple is packed in late November; it is the maple temple of Kyoto. The Amida statue looking back over its shoulder is unlike any other in Japan.
1 HourCost: ¥500–1,000- 5
Nanzen-ji
Ten minutes' walk south, Nanzen-ji's Sanmon gate can be climbed for a view over the city, and behind the main halls a red-brick Meiji aqueduct still carries Lake Biwa water across the grounds. The Hojo garden and the Tenjuan sub-temple are the paid parts; the grounds are free. Finish with yudofu at one of the restaurants by the gate; Keage subway station is a 10-minute walk.
1.5 HoursCost: ¥500–1,000
Day 1 Estimated Cost
- Food¥2,500–4,500
- Transport¥500–1,000
- Admissions¥1,500–3,000
Tips
Bus up, subway back: bus 5 or 100 to Ginkaku-ji, then the Tozai Line from Keage station at the end, so you never retrace a step.
Around 5 km of walking, mostly flat, but temple floors mean slip-on shoes and socks you are happy to be seen in.
Lunch options thin out between Honen-in and Eikan-do; eat at the cafés along the path or hold on for yudofu at Nanzen-ji.
Ginkaku-ji's sand cone is best in low morning light; for Eikan-do's maples come on a weekday in the last two weeks of November, or for the evening illumination.