Kyoto Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Exploring Philosopher's Path and Ginkaku-ji
The Philosopher’s Path is a peaceful walking trail along a canal in northern Kyoto. It's lined with cherry trees, small temples, and local shops. It ends (or starts) near Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most beautiful Zen temples.
This guide will help you enjoy a relaxing and meaningful day in this quiet part of the city.
Take a Train to Kyoto Station
If You're Coming from Tokyo:
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
Travel Time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes (Nozomi train)
If You're Coming from Osaka:
Take the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station
Travel Time: About 30 minutes
Take a Bus or Subway to Ginkaku-ji Area
From Kyoto Station, you’ll need to travel northeast toward Ginkaku-ji.
Option 1: Bus (Easiest for Beginners)
Go to the Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Take Bus #5 or Bus #100 (bound for Ginkaku-ji)
Option 2: Subway + Short Bus
Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Kitaoji Station
From Kitaoji, take Bus #204 or #102 to Ginkakuji-michi
Arrive at Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop and Walk to Ginkaku-ji
From the Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop:
Cross the street and look for signs to Ginkaku-ji Temple
Walk up the stone-paved shopping street (Ginkakuji-zaka)
It takes about 5–7 minutes to walk to the entrance
Visit Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Walking Distance from Bus Stop: About 5 minutes
Entry Fee: Around ¥500
This Zen temple was once a villa for a shogun. It became a temple in 1490. Unlike the Golden Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji has a quiet beauty with white sand gardens, moss, and simple wooden halls.
What to Do:
✔ See the Silver Pavilion, a wooden temple beside a pond
✔ Walk around the white sand garden with the iconic sand cone
✔ Explore the moss garden with small bridges and trees
✔ Climb the path behind the temple for a view of Kyoto city
Walk Down the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
After Ginkaku-ji, turn back down the slope and you’ll see the start of the Philosopher’s Path on your right.
Location Tip: Look for a small canal lined with trees—that’s the path.
How Long It Takes: The full path is about 2 km (1.2 miles) and takes 30–45 minutes at a slow pace.
Things to Do Along the Philosopher’s Path
✔ Visit small temples like Honen-in (free), Otoyo Shrine, or Anraku-ji
✔ Look for hidden cats resting on fences or stones
✔ Browse handmade craft shops and art galleries
✔ Try local snacks like matcha ice cream, mochi, or Kyoto cookies
✔ Rest on a bench and enjoy the view
Eat Lunch Near the End of the Path (Nanzen-ji Area)
The Philosopher’s Path ends near Nanzen-ji Temple, which is also a great area for lunch.
Recommended Lunch Places:
Okutan Nanzenji – Serves traditional yudofu (tofu hotpot) in a peaceful setting
Ain Soph. Journey Kyoto (Vegan-Friendly) – Delicious vegan rice plates, burgers, and desserts
Café Bibliotic Hello! – Café with bakery, books, and creative meals (vegetarian-friendly)
Visit Nanzen-ji Temple
Walking Distance: 5–10 minutes from the end of the path
What to See:
✔ Large Sanmon Gate – Climb up for views (small fee)
✔ Zen gardens and stone pathways
✔ The brick aqueduct – Famous photo spot with red bricks and arches
✔ Peaceful, less crowded environment than major temples
Head Back to Kyoto Station or your Hotel
To return to Kyoto Station or downtown:
Walk to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi Bus Stop or Keage Subway Station
Take the Kyoto City Bus back to Kyoto Station
Or take Tozai Line Subway from Keage Station to Karasuma Oike, then transfer to Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station
