East Kyoto, the Philosopher's Path
The great north-south axis of the eastern hills, the module richest in heritage in the catalogue: from the Silver Pavilion and the Philosopher's Path, to the terrace of Kiyomizudera.
The points that matter.
The moss garden of Ginkakuji, one of the founding gardens of wabi-sabi
The Philosopher's Path along the canal
The Kiyomizudera terrace in the late afternoon, away from the midday crowds
Best reserved for good walkers
Le programme
East Kyoto, the Philosopher's Path
The Silver Pavilion, Ginkakuji, built in 1482, opens the day with its moss garden and its sea of silver sand. The Philosopher's Path, two kilometres along the canal, leads to Heian Jingu shrine and its 24-metre torii, then to Nanzenji temple and its brick aqueduct. The descent south ends at Kiyomizudera temple, whose wooden terrace overlooks the city, reached through the preserved lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.