Philosopher's Path in cherry season

What it is

The Philosopher's Path follows a narrow canal at the foot of Kyoto's eastern hills, from near Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, south towards Nanzen-ji. It takes its name from the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who is said to have walked it daily in thought. Cherry trees line both banks, and in early April their branches meet over the water. When the petals fall they drift down the canal in a pink film. Small temples and shrines, such as Honen-in, sit just off the path, along with cafes and craft shops. Outside blossom time it is a quiet, green stroll with hydrangeas in June.

Before you go

• Walk it soon after sunrise. By mid-morning in blossom season it is shoulder to shoulder.
• Allow an hour, more if you stop at temples on the way.
• The path runs through a residential area. Keep your voice down.

The flowers you will see

Cherry blossomThe spring-blooming flower of ornamental cherry trees, central to Japan’s hanami customBigleaf HydrangeaA Japanese shrub with large pink or blue flower heads that change colour with soil

Also part of it, and being written: Prunus × yedoensis.

More in Kyoto

🇯🇵 Kyoto · All yearAn ikebana lesson in KyotoLearn the basics of Japanese flower arranging in the city where the art took shape. 🇯🇵 Tokyo · Mar to AprCherry blossom season in TokyoAbout a week of pale pink along moats, rivers and parks, and the picnics that go with it. 🇯🇵 Tokyo · Feb to NovShinjuku Gyoen through the seasonsA large former imperial garden in central Tokyo with a long cherry season and an autumn chrysanthemum show. 🇯🇵 Hirosaki · Apr to MayHirosaki Castle cherry blossomA northern castle park with thousands of cherry trees and moats that turn pink with fallen petals. 🇯🇵 Hitachinaka · Apr to OctNemophila hill at Hitachi Seaside ParkA hill by the Pacific covered in small sky-blue flowers in spring and red kochia bushes in autumn. 🇯🇵 Ashikaga · Apr to MayWisteria at Ashikaga Flower ParkVast old wisteria vines trained over trellises, with flower trails hanging to head height.