Philosopher's Walk
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
EAST SIDE COURSE: We cruise along this famous path along a lovely canal in rich green nature. (note this is only visited on the East Side Course)
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Philosopher's Walk2:22
Welcome to the Philosopher's Walk, or Tetsugaku-no-michi, one of Kyoto’s most cherished and contemplative journeys. This two-kilometer stone path follows a gentle canal through the Higashiyama district, stretching from the…
Listen in the app2The Legacy of Nishida Kitaro — Meditating in Motion1:59
As we proceed along the northern section of the path, we must consider the man whose daily habit gave this route its name. Nishida Kitaro was the founder of the Kyoto School of philosophy. …
Listen in the app3Engineering and Nature — The Lake Biwa Canal1:55
The water that flows beside us is far more than just a scenic feature; it is the lifeblood of modern Kyoto. This canal is an offshoot of the Lake Biwa Canal, or Sosui, which was completed in eighteen ninety. …
Listen in the app4The Cherry Blossom Tunnel — A Seasonal Spectacle1:48
While the Philosopher's Walk is beautiful year-round, it is arguably most famous for its 'Sakura' season in early April. During this time, the path is transformed into a dreamy pink tunnel as hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry…
Listen in the app5Hidden Temples and Gateways — Honen-in and Beyond1:48
One of the greatest joys of the Philosopher's Walk is that it serves as a connector to several of Kyoto's more secluded and atmospheric temples. As you stroll along, keep an eye out for small stone bridges and wooden signs that…
Listen in the app6Seasonal Shifts — From Lush Greens to Fiery Reds1:50
As we reach the mid-point of our walk, it is worth considering how the path changes after the cherry blossoms have fallen. In the summer, the Philosopher's Walk becomes a sanctuary of green. …
Listen in the app7The South End — Approaching the Silence of Nanzen-ji1:47
As we approach the southern terminus of the Philosopher's Walk, the neighborhood begins to change. The path widens slightly, and the residential houses give way to the larger, more imposing walls of sub-temples belonging to the…
Listen in the app8Final Reflections — Walking Your Own Philosophy1:45
As our journey along the Philosopher’s Walk comes to a close, it is time to reflect on what we have experienced. We have walked in the footsteps of a great thinker, explored the engineering that modernized a city, and witnessed…
Listen in the app9Closing1:46
We have reached the end of the stone path, but the insights gained along the Philosopher’s Walk often take time to fully settle. Like the cherry petals that float slowly down the canal, let your thoughts drift and find their own…
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What is Philosopher's Walk?
Philosopher's Walk is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Total length | 17 min 00 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0221, 135.7947 |
| Last updated |
