Kyoto : Revisiting Tetsugaku no Michi 哲学の道

12th December 2010. Written by Xin Li.
Kyoto, Japan
After a visit to the picturesque gardens of Gingaku-ji, we took a stroll along the charming Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi 哲学の道) that runs along a section of the Biwako Canal from Gingaku-ji to Nanzenji.

Named after a famous Japanese professor, Nishida Kitaro who loved to walk along this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University, the Philosopher’s Path offered a different kind of experience in early December as the cherry trees remained bare and the route was dotted with clusters of autumn colors.

Two photographers trying to get a cat to cooperate with them.

An adorable dog dressed for the season.

We didn’t expect to see banana trees in Kyoto.

At the end of the Philosopher’s Path, we arrive at Nanzen-ji, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the mid 13th century. While the central grounds are open to public free of charge , parts of the complex charge entrance fees such as the massive Sanmon Gate (500 Yen) which was constructed in 1628 by the Tokugawa Clan.