Cherry Blossoms on the Philosopher's Path – A Flowering Walk Along the Canal

The Philosopher's Path is said to be named because the philosopher Nishida Kitarō, the economist Kawakami Hajime and others liked to walk here deep in thought. It runs south from near the Ginkaku-ji approach along a branch of the Lake Biwa Canal to around Nyakuōji.

Cherry trees line the path, reaching over the canal when in full bloom. They are also called "Kansetsu cherries" after trees donated by the wife of the painter Hashimoto Kansetsu. As the petals begin to fall, you may see "hanaikada" (petal rafts) covering the water.

Along the way are sights worth a stop, such as Hōnen-in, Ōtoyo Shrine and Eikan-dō. Take your time, peeking into small tea houses and shops.