The Philosopher’s Path is a serene walking route that connects Nanzenji temple to the Silver Pavilion, known for its meditative atmosphere.
Getting There
I’m not going to sit here and explain the details of getting to the starting point of the Philosopher’s Path or Tetsugaku No Michi (哲学の道). Simply whip out Google Maps and search up “Philosopher’s Path Beginning” and it will pinpoint the exact starting point of the walk, which you can reach by train, bike, or on foot depending on where you are in Kyoto.
Forests, Rivers, And Cute Little Bridges
The entire walk from start to finish will take you no longer than 30 minutes.
As soon as you start, you’ll feel a sense of relaxation as the city noise dies down and the sound of rivers flowing and wind blowing takes over your senses.
The Philosopher’s Path is known for its beautiful trees and gardens which change color according to the season.
Whether you’re here for the pink cherry blossoms, the golden autumn leaves, or the lush greenery, it’s always worth walking through!
Feel Like A Ninja On The Rooftops!
Forests and rivers aren’t the only things the Philosopher’s Path offers. When you look out to your left, you’ll find that you’re walking above hundreds and thousands of Japanese homes.
Okay, the subheading was misleading, you don’t literally walk on the rooftops of people’s houses, because that would be ridiculous.
Nevertheless, you still get the feeling of a ninja as you walk (or Naruto run) at an altitude just above the many rooftops that resemble a series of tatami mats.
Regardless of whether you’re into ninjas or not, it’s an awesome feeling to walk side-by-side with the rooftops and mountain ranges in the background.
Scenic Views To Visualize Your Goals
Speaking of mountainous backgrounds, there are several spots along the Philosopher’s Path walk that simply beg you to stop and take a photo. For me, it was an opportunity to look out into the distance and visualize my goals as a freelance writer in Japan.
Wherever you are and whatever you do, the Philosopher’s Path is a potent reminder of the importance of reflection and visualization in our day-to-day lives. Never lose sight of your long-term goals and keep your focus on the daily tasks toward realizing your dream!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!