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Japan

Gion District – Philosopher's Path loop from 祇園四条

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Japan

Gion District – Philosopher's Path loop from 祇園四条

Moderate

4.5

(8)

107

hikers

Gion District – Philosopher's Path loop from 祇園四条

03:44

13.1km

230m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

362 m

Gion District

Highlight • Settlement

Gion also know as Geisha district. Be respectful to the culture and please be discreet with cameras.

Tip by

647 m

Tatsumi Bridge and the Shirakawa River

Highlight • Bridge

Absolutely mobbed. Avoid if you can.

Tip by

868 m

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district and is located near Shijo Avenue, between the Yasaka Shrine to the east and the Kamo River to the west. There are many shops, restaurants and teahouses where "Geiko" and "Maiko" have wealthy clients.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.45 km

Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Philosophers' Way in the east of Kyoto stretches from the "Ginkakuji Temple" in the north to the "Nanzenji Temple" in the south. Along the way there are numerous cherry trees that enchant all the way with their blossoms during the cherry blossom season.

The path owes its fame and name to the philosopher Nishida Kitaro. The professor at Kyoto University often walked the way to meditation.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.11 km

Philosopher's Path

Highlight • Trail

A very beautiful path from the Silver Pavilion, about 2 km along a small river. There are many cherry and maple trees here, making it perfect for spring and autumn walks.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.31 km

Koma Nezumi Shrine

Highlight • Religious Site

The small shrine is dedicated to the worship of mountain spirits. There are several animal sculptures (mouse, snake, monkey and eagle) as secondary shrines in this shrine.
Entry is free.
A short detour from the Philosopher's Path is worthwhile.

Goshuin stamps available on paper, nothing is entered in a Goshuin book.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.33 km

Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji Temple

Highlight • Religious Site

Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji is the head temple for the Seizan branch of Japan's Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) Buddhist sect, located in Kyoto, Sakyō-ku. It was founded by Shinshō, a pupil of Kūkai, and is famous for its fall foliage and for its prominence in the past as a center of learning. The temple is commonly referred to as either just "Eikan-dō" ("View of Eternity Hall" or "Hall of Yōkan" ) or "Zenrin-ji" "Temple of Forest of Zen") and it has also other names.

Tip by

10.2 km

Nanzen-ji Temple

Highlight • Religious Site

One of the few temples where you can climb inside... for a fee of 600 yen. In return, you get a good view from the top.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

13.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.21 km

3.85 km

3.17 km

1.62 km

220 m

Surfaces

6.58 km

2.40 km

2.13 km

1.60 km

249 m

102 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (110 m)

Lowest point (40 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 21 July

38°C

28°C

39 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Gion District – Philosopher's Path loop from 祇園四条

03:30h

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150m

Gion District – Philosopher's Path loop from 祇園四条

Gion District

Tatsumi Bridge and the Shirakawa River

Gion District

Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)

Philosopher's Path

Koma Nezumi Shrine

Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple

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