Last updated: December 2025

Highlights & Nearby Spots

Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺 / Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. It was originally built in 1482 as the mountain villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who intended to coat the building in silver foil—though the project was never completed. Despite its name, the pavilion remains unadorned, and its subtle aesthetic came to symbolize the wabi-sabi (refined simplicity) ideals of Japanese culture. The temple complex includes a beautifully manicured kare-sansui (dry landscape garden), a moss garden with winding paths, and scenic views of Kyoto from the hillside.

Honen-in (法然院)

Honen-in is a small, serene temple tucked away just off the Philosopher’s Path. Its thatched-roof gate, flanked by mossy stone walls and shaded by tall trees, offers a peaceful entrance to one of Kyoto’s hidden gems. Inside, you’ll find sand patterns (known as byakusadan) that are raked into symbolic shapes and refreshed regularly. The tranquil grounds also feature seasonal flowers and a moss garden that reflect the changing moods of nature.

Anraku-ji (安楽寺)

Anraku-ji is a historic temple with strong ties to the Jodo Buddhist sect, originally founded in the 13th century. Its wooden buildings sit on a hillside surrounded by cherry trees and maples, making it especially beautiful in spring and autumn. While it’s usually closed to the public, Anraku-ji opens its gates during special events, like seasonal flower viewings or cultural exhibitions.

Kyoto Modern Terrace & Shops near Nanzen-ji

Near the southern end of the path, modern cafés and artisan shops await—like Kyoto Modern Terrace (inside the Kyoto International Community House). A great spot for a break with scenic terrace views and local craft goods.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to walk the Philosopher’s Path is early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s the most iconic season, with petals floating in the canal and soft pinks lining the trail—though it’s also the most crowded.
Other seasonal highlights:

• Summer: Lush green trees and a quieter atmosphere, great for a shaded stroll.
• Autumn (mid–late November): Gorgeous red and orange foliage with fewer crowds than spring.
• Winter: Peaceful and quiet, especially on snowy mornings—but less scenic.

Last updated: December 2025

Sake Breweries

One of the characteristics of Fushimi is its clear groundwater. Fushimi literary means “covered water”. To make good sake, good rice and high-quality water are indispensable. Soft water is the best, that means it doesn’t contain too much calcium, magnesium, and iron. Fushimi has become a place to produce sake because of the good water and the location close to the old capital.

It is said that they started the production of sake already in the 5th century. Sake developed significantly in the 8th century when Kyoto became the capital of Japan. More than 340 sake breweries existed in Kyoto in the 15th century. Today, 20 sake breweries in Fushimi still remain.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is a museum on sake-making run by the Gekkeikan Sake Company, Ltd. This is one of Japan’s pre-eminent sake companies originally established in 1637. Opened in 1982, the museum is housed in an old sake brewery that was built in 1909, and it presents the history of sake in Japan and sake production in Fushimi in an easy-to-understand manner.

You can see some 400 sake production items displayed to show each stage of the process. It also displays period materials dating back to Gekkeikan’s founding, including different types of vessels. Traditional chants of sake makers are also played throughout the museum, recreating the atmosphere of the old brewery. In 2020, they have added a new theater room where you can watch a short film explaining sake brewing.

Following your visit, you can taste Ginjoshu and other sake in the lobby. After the tasting, you can stop by the museum shop where you can buy the sake that you just tasted. Additionally, there are many other types from everyday sake to high-quality expensive ones for sale. You can try the pickles that were made with the sake lees, too

Fee: Adults 600 yen, 13-19 years old 200 yen
Hours: From 9.30 am to 4.30 am

Kizakura Kappa Country

Kizakura is also one of Japan’s leading sake makers founded in the early 20th century. It is a branch company of Matsumoto Sake Brewing established in 1791. In the gallery, you can see the old utensils they used to make sake. And they explain the sake making process using elaborately made small models. They also exhibit Kappa, an imaginary creature which is the symbol of Kizakura Company. After visiting the gallery, you can taste different types of sake (200 – 500 yen) or enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant.

Fee: Free
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (restaurant 11.30 am – 2.30 pm / 5 pm – 10 pm)
Closed on Mondays

Kizakura Fushimigura

This facility is also run by Kizakura Company. It is located at their sake factory. You can learn how to make sake from the video in the guidance theater at the beginning of your visit. Then you can see the factory of sake and beer through a window. They also explain the history of the Kizakura Company with panels. After visiting the gallery, you can taste different types of sake (270 yen-) or enjoy lunch at the restaurant.

Fee: Free (you need to make a reservation)
Hours: From 10 am to 4 pm

There are many other activities around the sake brewery area. Here are some of them.

Teradaya

Teradaya is a ryokan or Japanese-style inn built during the Edo period. It is very popular among history fans. Historical hero Sakamoto Ryoma, who contributed a lot to the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, used to stay there when he came to Kyoto. Now, this inn is a museum, but you can still stay there with a reservation.

Fee: 400 yen for adults / 200 yen for students
Hours: From 10 am to 4 pm

Canal Cruise

You can enjoy a 50-minute canal cruise in an old-style small boat. The canal is surrounded by greenery and old sake breweries, so you will feel as if you have been transported back in time to the Edo period. The boat makes a short stop at a lockage. The small museum there explains the mechanism of the lockage.

Fee: 1,200 yen for adults / 600 for elementary school students
Hours: Open from March 20 to December 5. From 10 am to around 4 pm (depending on the season). The boat leaves every 20 minutes except at lunchtime. Closed on Mondays.

Access to Fushimi Sake Brewery Area

You can walk from either Chushojima Station (Keihan Line), Momoyamagoryo-Mae Station (Kintetsu Line), or Momoyama Station (JR Nara Line).

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Kyoto and sake breweries. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Fushimi Area Map

Ninna-ji History

Ninna-ji temple was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda (867-931). He became a monk at the end of his reign and retired to Ninna-ji temple. Since then, this temple was run by one of the members of the Imperial Family until 1869.

Most of the temple was lost during the Onin War in 1467. About 160 years later, in 1634, the reconstruction of the temple was finally authorized by the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa family. Noteworthy buildings including the Kondo building and the Mie-do. These buildings were moved from the Imperial Palace and the reconstruction was completed in 1646.

Palace and Temple

As the function of the ‘grand monk’ was occupied by one of the members of the Imperial Family and he lived there, the temple was called Omuro Palace. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Imperial Family no longer lives there and it is now called Old Omuro Palace.

The temple area is considered to be divided into 2: the Goten old palace part (御殿) and the Garan (伽藍) temple part.

Goten (御殿): This was the residential part of the emperor in the temple. Here we can admire the well-worked gardens and the imposing halls.

Garan (伽藍): After passing through the vermilion gate, the middle gate -Nakamon (中門), we come to the temple part. On the right is the 5-story pagoda that was built in 1644. And at the back is the most important building for the temple, the Kondo (金堂) which houses the 3 most important statues of Ninna-ji Temple. The Kondo was moved from the Imperial Palace in the 17th century and this building, called Shishin-den (紫宸殿), was used for official ceremonies when it was still in the Palace. It is the oldest existing Shishin-den and has been classified as a national treasure as a building reflecting the palace architecture of the time.

The temple garden is famous for its cherry trees, Omuro-zakura (御室桜). It is one of the cherry blossom varieties besides Somei-Yoshino, the most common variety in Japan. Each flower is composed of 5 white petals and it is a little larger than Somei-Yoshino. The Omuro-zakura trees do not become very tall.

In autumn, we can admire the red maple leaves in the garden.

Access Information

Access: 3-minute walk from Omuro Ninna-ji station (Araden, Keifuku dentetsu)
Entrance (palace): 500 yen for high school students and above, 300 yen for middle school and high school students.
Entrance (garden): Charged only during cherry blossom season, 500 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
Opening hours: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm. The opening hours change according to the season.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Kyoto. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Ninna-ji Area Map

A Rickshaw Ride in Kyoto ‘s Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is sitting right next to the famous Yasaka shrine. So it is a great stop after taking in some history at the shrine first. The park is one of the best places to go for cherry blossom viewing in late March and early April. The rest of the year you can enjoy a leisurely walk in gardens, past tea houses, and orchards.

But if you really want to see the park in a relaxing way, you should hire one of the rikshaws. Kids and adults alike will love taking a trip with one of the many muscular rikshaw runners who wait for customers in the park. Runners don’t just take you around, they also tell interesting and funny stories about the environment.

Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum

Not just those with a keen interest in samurai and ninja history will love the Samurai and Ninja Museum. But really anyone who would like to be entertained will have a good time here. Learning everything there is to learn about some of the most interesting eras in Japan is not all. There are also several experiences to be had.

You can wear samurai armor, try out using ninja weapons, and see sword demonstrations. There is even a competition you can participate in for some extra interactive fun. The exhibitions have real samurai armor on display from different periods. And of course, you can see different swords up close.

Street Food Lunch in Nishiki

Sitting down for lunch can be a bit of a challenge with kids sometimes. So how about a delicious local street food lunch in Nishiki? This market is a large local food market boasting a plethora of traditional Japanese food. You can expect dishes like sushi, skewers like yakitori, pickles, and different kinds of sweets.

Because the variety is large, there is always something to eat even for (young) picky eaters. Many shops also give out free samples, so you can try before you buy.

Monkeys and Kimono Art in Arashiyama

Arashiyama is especially known for its ethereal bamboo forest, but there is more to see on the western side of Kyoto. Near the station, there is an art project called ‘Kimono Forest’, which kids will love for its colorful pillars. Visiting the Kimono Forest is free.  It is also a great place for some good pictures!

If you’re up for a small hike up the hill, the Arashiyama Monkey Park is a fun spot to visit. The monkeys live there freely, and it is the humans who can feed them from behind the fence. It’s always fascinating to see monkeys go about their business, and you can get really close to them in this park.

Kyoto Railway Museum

Train fans know not to skip the Kyoto Railway Museum, and families with kids should also make time to visit this museum. Japan’s super punctual trains are a part of Japanese culture, and you will be surprised about what you can learn about them.

This modern museum doesn’t just showcase parts of trains, but they even have a whole station house and steam locomotive. Another interesting activity is to see what railway workers do in their daily jobs.

Sagano Romantic Railway

If you didn’t yet get enough of trains in the Kyoto Railway Museum, you can ride a nice one on the Sagano Romantic Railway. Located on the western side of Kyoto, this train line travels in the Hozukyo Ravine one a 25-minute route. The natural environment is truly stunning, and every season has its own charms. Kids will enjoy the ride and the views from the windows for sure.

Cherry blossom season and the time when the autumn foliage is at its peak are the most popular times to go. Especially for those periods it is best to reserve your seats on beforehand on their website.

Playground in Umekoji Park

For parents who want to take a break from sightseeing while letting the kids play, the centrally localted playground in Umekoji Park is a good stop. The park is near Kyoto Station, the Honganji temple, and the Kyoto Railway Museum. In the park you can also find the Kyoto Aquarium, an ice skating rink, and on Saturdays there is a handicraft market.

It is quite a new playground so the equipment is state of the art and includes all the classics like slides and walking bridges. Kids between 4-12 will definitely have a great time here!

Kids’ Driving Practise in Omiya Traffic Park

Maybe this is not a typical tourist destination, but for a change from temples and shrines it is a fun addition.  The Omiya Traffic Park is not so far away from the Golden Pavillion. In this small traffic-themed amusement park kids and parents can get into a small car and drive around ‘town’. For those who are from countries where they drive on the right it will be a new experience too!

A trip to Omiya Traffic Park won’t take more then around one hour, and is friendly on the budget for only a few hundred yen per person per ride. Everything is in Japanese, but it is not too complicated to understand how things work around here.

Family Friendly Day Trips Near Kyoto

Two day trips not far from Kyoto that will certainly make kids happy are Nara Park and Universal Studios Japan. In Nara Park there are some very old wooden structures and temples, but it is even more famous for the many deer. The deer are very used to humans, and many kids like feeding them special deer crackers that are for sale in the area.

Universal Studios Japan probably doesn’t need much explanation, as this is easily one of the best amusement parks in the country. Young and old will love the movie-themed rides, some of which are only available in Japan. If you promise the kids to visit USJ on your last day in Japan, they will happily visit the historical must-sees as well!

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect family friendly Japan package tours including destinations like Kyoto. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Byodo-in Temple (平等院)

Founded in 1052 by Fujiwarano Yorimichi, who was a regent at the time, in the area where his father’s villa Fujiwarano Michinaga was located. The symbol of this temple, the Phoenix Pavilion (Hou Ou Do, 鳳凰堂), and the garden that surrounds it transmit to us its beautiful structure from the time of its construction. The Palace of Paradise was taken as a model for the design of the Phoenix Pavilion.

The Phoenix Pavilion is famous, because it is depicted on Japan’s 10 yen coins, and the Phoenix on the roof of the pavilion is on the 10,000 yen banknotes. In the building next to the Phoenix Pavilion is the Hoshokan Museum which displays the treasures of the temple such as the bell, the Phoenixes, sculptures of the Hunchbacked deity, and so on. They date from the time of the temple’s construction and it is a small museum that is a must-visit.

Access: 15-minute walk from Uji JR station.
Entrance fee (museum + garden): 600 yen over 18 years old/400 yen college and high school students/300 yen school children
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Ujigami Shrine (宇治上神社)

Starting from the Byodo-in Temple, on the other side of the Uji River, is the Ujigami shrine. We do not know its date of construction but the name of Ujigami jinja is already quoted in a collection dating from 927. It is a very simple and small sanctuary. This shrine mainly worships Ujino wara Iratsuko, the son of Emperor Ojin Tenno, who is supposed to have existed in the 5th century. Legend has it that this prince, a favorite of his father, committed suicide to give up the throne to his older brother, who became the 16th emperor.

After passing through the entrance portico, the oratory that was built at the beginning of the Kamakura period (12th century) appears. Behind the oratory is the Honden, the main building, built in the Heian period (794-1192) and considered the oldest construction of the shrine. In the name of “Ujino wara Iratsuko” you can find the character of the rabbit. In front of the shrine office, there are several rabbit trinkets in which a spell is found. You can get your spell by buying one of the trinkets.

Access: 10 min walk from the Byodo-in temple.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9 am – 4.30 pm

The Museum of The Tale of Genji (源氏物語ミュージアム)

The Tale of Genji (源氏物語, Genji Monogatari) was written by Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部), a court lady of the Heian period in the 11th century. It is a very long novel composed of 54 chapters (books) that tell the life of one of the emperor’s sons, Genji. The latter is a handsome man, intelligent and loved by everyone and he had many love affairs with women. The last 10 books are called Uji jyu jo (宇治十帖, literally 10 books from Uji), and these stories take place mainly in Uji after Genji’s death. These last 10 books tell the stories of Genji’s son and grandson.

This small museum is the only museum on the Tale of Genji, and it shows some scenes from The Tale of Genji.

Access: 5-minute walk from Uji kami Jinja Shrine
Admission fee: Adults 600 yen/under 18 years old 300 yen
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, closed on Mondays

Tea from Uji (宇治茶)

The city of Uji is known for its production of green tea. Uji has been producing green tea since the 13th century. Its climate and topography are conducive to the production of good quality green tea, and there are many tea plantations in the area.

All along the way to Byodo-in Temple, you can smell the nice aroma of green tea. Many restaurants and cafes offer dishes and cakes with the flavor of green tea. There are also multiple places that offer green tea workshops during which you can pluck, grind, and drink your own cup of matcha tea.

My Personal Experience in Uji

I visited the city of Uji on Saturday, November 28, 2020. As I am a lover of The Tale of the Genji, I had wanted to visit Uji for a long time. This year, the change of maple leave colors in Kyoto was a bit early compared to previous years, so many maple leaves had already fallen on the ground but we were still able to admire some of the season’s last beautiful colors.

We arrived in Uji around 11 am and we first had lunch in a restaurant that served dishes using green tea. We ordered the wheat flour noodles (udon). The udon was served with tempura that was sprinkled with green tea salt.

When we arrived at Uji Bridge, I took pictures of the statue of the author of Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu, and then we went to the Byodo-in Temple. Unfortunately, as it was the high season, there was a 3-hour wait to visit the Phoenix Pavilion so we only visited the garden and its museum (to preserve the heritage, the number of visitors per day is limited). The Phoenix Pavilion is really imposing and magnificent like a phoenix beating its wings. The museum next door is small but exhibits several national treasures. I would definitely advise you to visit it.

Tale of Genji Museum

Then we crossed the Uji River (I thought the river was much smaller according to The Tale of Genji) and we arrived at the other side of the river. We rested in the coffee shop of Fukuju-en, one of the biggest green tea producers in Uji, and tasted Japanese pastry with a green tea flavor.

After this short break, we went to the Ujigami shrine. Rabbits are considered to be messengers of Shinto deity so in Uji Jinja Shrine there are several rabbit statuettes. On the way between the Ujigami shrine and Genji Shrine Museum, there are monuments on which the excerpts from the novel are inscribed and we can feel a little bit of the atmosphere of the Heian period.

Access: About 30 min by local JR train from Kyoto station

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Area Map

History of Nishijin District

Nishijin-ori or Nishijin fabric is the traditional textile produced in the Nishijin district. It is said that they already started the production of textiles here in the late 5th century. When Kyoto became the capital city of Japan in 794, they produced the fabric that was needed at the Imperial Court. Later they made fabrics for the samurai, too. After the Onin War, the Nishijin factories became under the direct control of the Ashikaga Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate (14th – 16th century). At that time, the production expanded significantly.

The characteristics of Nishijin fabric is that they use many different types of colored yarns weaving them together into decorative designs. Then they make beautiful kimono from this fabric. Each process is operated by a different workshop, which are like small factories. For example, the dying workshop makes only colored threads and then brings them to the weaving workshop. This way of working has produced true specialists in each field.

Nowadays, it is an interesting area to walk around. It is not the commercial center of Kyoto, so the area is not busy and not completely overrun by either domestic or international tourists. There is a quiet atmosphere, and you can still find traditional houses. Among these houses, you can find artisans’ workshops and a small Kimono museum.

Nishijin Textile Center

The original Nishijin Textile Hall was built in 1915, and it was reconstructed as a modern building which became the Nishijin Textile Center in 1976 to promote their products. The center has three floors that tourists can visit.

On the first floor, they explain the production process of Nishijin fabric from sericulture to weaving, using dioramas and photo panels. There is also a workshop where they demonstrate how they weave the fabric with the weaving machines, and you can even try a hands-on experience. There is a restaurant where you can have Japanese food or a cup of coffee.

On the second floor, you can find souvenir shops. They sell a variety of products using Nishijin fabric; kimono, yukata (casual cotton kimono), shawls, bags, neckties, handkerchiefs, wallets, Japanese dolls, and so on. In one corner there is a secondhand kimono shop where you can buy traditional kimonos at a reasonable price. But please be careful, because it is not easy to wear a kimono by yourself if you don’t learn how to wear it. Even many Japanese ladies take lessons several times just to learn how to wear it.

Kimono Show

On the third floor, they perform a Kimono Show 6 times a day at 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15,00, and 16:00. Each show lasts about 10 minutes. About 7 models appear, wearing different types of kimono. One may wear a colorful kimono with long sleeves and butterfly-shaped obi sash which is for unmarried young ladies. One may wear a sober color kimono with a simple square-shaped obi sash which is often worn by senior ladies. Ladies choose their kimono by their age, season, and occasion.

This may be the only place in the world where you can see the fashion show of kimono every day. At the end of the show, all the ladies appear at the same time, which is the best time to take a good picture. Yes, you can take pictures during the show!

If you want to see expensive kimono from up close, there are exhibition rooms on the same floor where you can see historical kimono and high-quality ones.

If you want to try to wear kimono yourself, you can try on one of the rental kimono. As it is not easy to put on a kimono by yourself, or even almost impossible if it is your first time, the staff is happy to help you to wear them. You will have your pick from various kinds of kimono, and you can take pictures and walk outside in the old town if you want.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including guides who can tell you all about the Nishijin Area including this Nishijin Textile Center. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Information

Access: From Kyoto Station, take a local bus to Horikawa-Imadegawa bus stop or take a subway to Imadeawa Station.
Entrance: Free entrance to the kimono show and shops
Hands-on experience: From 2,000 yen depending on what you make.
Kimono wearing experience: From 3,000 yen depending on the types of kimono.
You need reservations for hands-on experience and kimono wearing experience.

Hours:
March to November: From 10:00 to 18:00
December to February: From 10:00 to 17:00

Area Map

It has become a very popular spot in Kyoto because of the quiet atmosphere and beautiful trees surrounded that make the path very colorful in spring and autumn. The Philosopher’s Path is designated as one of the top 100 most beautiful streets in Japan.

History of the Canal

The canal water comes from Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Lake Biwa is the biggest lake in Japan with a surface of 670 km2. The first canal was constructed in 1890, then the second construction was done in 1920. Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan where the Emperor lived for more than 1,000 years, but Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This made the governor of Kyoto feel a sense of crisis because the city might lose its prosperity by losing the title of ‘capital city’.

This is why he made a policy to industrialize Kyoto. The governor ordered the construction of the canal because he thought that water would be essential to develop new industries. He turned out to be right, and his quest to industrialize Kyoto was successful. Water power plants, the first tram in Japan, the water transportation system, and many other industries have developed in Kyoto ever since.

The Origin of the Name “Philosopher’s Path”

The apt name of this street came from the famous philosopher Kitaro Nishida (1870-1945). He was a Philosophy professor at Kyoto University and used to live in this area. He often walked along the canal while thinking deeply, as he felt that the tranquil environment made that very easy. One of his famous sayings is “Live and let live, I go my own way”. You can find a stone monument on the path with this saying engraved. Then local people made an effort to preserve this nice walkway and chose the name Philosopher’s Path.

Location

The Philosopher’s Path is located in the Higashiyama area. If you start walking from the north, there is a famous Buddhist temple, Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. There is also the entrance to Mt. Daimonji (465 meters high) which will be lit up during the summer fire festival. The view of Japan’s old capital from the fireplace is amazing.

You will find several temples and shrines while walking the path. You can visit these places for a quiet atmosphere, these temples and shrines are a lot less crowded than Kyoto’s most famous highlights and give a different type of enjoyment. For example, Honenin Temple is very beautiful with its old gate covered with moss. Anrakuji Temple has a coffee shop on its precinct. You can have a quiet relaxing time while enjoying your coffee.

There are a lot of small fancy souvenir shops, coffee shops, and restaurants along the canal. Near the southern end, there is a Japanese tea house owned by a sweets company called Kanou Shoujuan. You can experience a Ryurei style tea ceremony for which they prepare a table and chair, so you don’t need to sit on your heels on the tatami (straw mat) floor if you would prefer that. You can buy their delicious sweets, too.

At the southern end of the path, there is a Shinto shrine, Kumano-Nyakuoji. If you walk further down south, you will find famous temples such as Eikando and Nanzenji. Eikando (the actual name is Zenrinji Temple) is famous for the autumn leaves. Nanzenji is a Zen Buddhist temple famous for its dry landscape garden. In a dry landscape garden, the architect expressed water with the pattern of the gravel without using actual water.

Seasonal Changes

The beautiful seasonal changes of the cherry blossoms in spring, lush green leaves in summer, colorful maple leaves in autumn, and the quiet but energizing air of winter make this a great spot to enjoy the 4 seasons in Kyoto. This path is one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. There are 300 cherry trees along the canal which was donated by the Japanese painter Kansetsu Hashimoto (1883-1945) in 1922. He had his workshop nearby which was turned into a restaurant and a museum called Hakusa-Sonso. The place also has a beautiful Japanese garden. If you visit the museum or have lunch or dinner there, you can enjoy walking in the garden.

The path is beautiful with green leaves in summer. Then the maple leaves and cherry leaves turn yellow and red in autumn. Not many colors in winter, but it is the quietest season. You can walk and do some philosophical thinking without other tourists. As the path is only 1.5 km long,  if you just walk through, it will take only about 30 minutes to go from start to finish. But if you walk slowly while appreciating the trees and flowers, visit some temples, shrines, souvenir shops, and a coffee shop along the way, you can easily spend half a day here.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including guides who can tell you all about the sites around the Philosopher’s Path. The guide can, of course, explain all the other attractive places in beautiful Kyoto. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Philosopher’s Path Information

Access :
North end: From Kyoto Station, take a local bus to Ginkakuji-Michi bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
South end: From Kyoto Station, take a local bus to Miyanomae-cho bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
Entrance: You can walk freely on the path along the canal. You need to pay an entrance fee for some of the temples.
Hours :
There are not many street lights along the canal, so please be careful if you walk in the evening.

Philosopher’s Path Area Map

Kyoto Station Building

The station was opened in 1877 by Japan National Railways, which has now become private company JR (Japan Railways). Emperor Meiji attended the opening ceremony. Later, the Kintetsu Line and Kyoto Subway were added to the network. In front of the station, there is a big bus terminal. About 700,000 people use this station every day.

The new Kyoto Station building was reconstructed in 1997. This 60 meter-high modern construction was designed by Hiroshi Hara who won a design competition, beating 6 famous architects. The enormous atrium on the north side is an amazing spot with 4,000 glass windows.

Kyoto Station boasts plenty of options for shopping, dining, entertainment, and staying overnight. Department store Isetan is a great store to check out for those who are looking for high-end clothing or slightly more expensive and special souvenirs. Hotels Granvia and Miyako City are directly connected to the station, making them very convenient hotels to stay for those who spend only a short time in Kyoto or need to catch a train early in the morning.

Kyoto Station Facilities

Furthermore, there is a plethora of souvenir shops, clothing shops, and restaurants. One of the most popular ramen chains that actually resembles a ramen ‘theme park’ where you can try many different types of ramen noodles, Ramen Koji, can also be found in Kyoto station. In Kyoto Station, facilities are not only on the ground floor. Make sure to also check out the huge underground shopping mall called Porta. There are more than 100 shops and restaurants in this maze-like shopping paradise.

To top it all off, Kyoto Station also has a theater, museum, and, of course, a tourist information center. The museum is called Eki, and you can find it on the 7th floor of the station building connecting to the Isetan Department Store. They exhibit a wide variety of artworks, for example, paintings, photographic art, picture storybooks for children, crafts, animations, and fashion. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm (it is closed when Isetan Department Store is closed and between the exhibitions for the preparation.) The entrance fee depends on the exhibition.

Visual Art and a View

If you stay overnight in Kyoto, don’t forget to see the Big Stairs Graphical Illumination in the evening. There is a huge open-air staircase with 171 steps from the 4th floor to the rooftop. They create an animated design using 15,000 LED lights in the evening, and this design changes by the season. Cherry blossoms in spring, festival floats in July, and colored leaves in autumn, and you can see the image of popular spots in Kyoto throughout the year.

You can enjoy this amazing light show for free between 5 pm and 10 pm without any break. In addition, they install a big Christmas tree on the 4th floor just in front of the staircase from mid-November until Christmas day. During the Christmas season, the area around the staircase is really beautiful.

Fountain Show

Then there is another wonderful evening event: the illuminated fountain show accompanied by music called Aqua Fantasy. You can see it just outside of the north exit between the bus terminal and the taxi terminal. The schedule differs by the season, but you can see the show 2 to 4 times every day. For example, the first show starts at 6 pm in winter, but it starts at 8 pm in summer because it gets dark at a later time. The duration is 15 minutes per show, and there is no entrance fee.

If you go to the rooftop floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto from 60 meters above the ground. There is a height limit for all buildings in the city center in order to preserve the beautiful townscape and atmosphere of the old capital city. The maximum height is only 31 meters (and even 15 meters in some areas). Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower are the exceptions. This means there is nothing to prevent a great view from the rooftop.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including guides who can guide you through the complicated Kyoto Station and of course, historical places in Kyoto and other cities. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Kyoto Station Information

Access: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From Shin-Osaka, take the Shinkansen. It takes 15 minutes.

Area Map