Kyoto – Philosophers Path & Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

We walked to the Tetsugaku-no-michi (Philosopher’s Path) a 2km historical stone path along the bank of the Lake Biwa canal, below Kyoto’s eastern hills. The path passes gardens, shrines, temples, restaurants, shops, cafes, and is attractive and bustling.

The Philosophers Path

Biwa Canal

Canal bridge and reflections

Houses with bicycles outside along the Philosophers Path

There were frequent bridges over the Biwa Canal

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) is a small unassuming temple, in beautiful gardens with reflective pond, manicured trees, raked sand garden, and mossy, wooded hillside to the east. It is open daily 8.30-17:00; entry is ¥500. The Philosopher’s Path was busy but the area leading to the temple was like a fairground, full of shops, and tourists. Similarly the temple grounds were crowded with tourists to the point that it was impossible to really enjoy the garden because of the push of the crowd moving.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Small shrine

Grounds of Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

After leaving Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavillion, we walked about a block to catch a bus back to our hotel. At the bus stop, I noticed beautiful purple berries that I had never seen before. They were Japanese Beautyberry (Callicarpa Japonica).

Japanese Beautyberry (Callicarpa Japonica)

Once back at the hotel, we packed our suitcases and organised to forward our luggage. We had dinner at a local automated ordering place, which was an experience (other patrons were helpful, but it was still an experience) we ordered ramen in golden dashi and garlic dashi and gyoza dumplings.