Kyoto · Northeast Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji and Philosopher's Path
Ginkaku-ji, officially Jisho-ji, began as the mountain villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, where construction started in 1482. Yoshimasa died in 1490, and after his death the villa became a Zen temple named after him. The famous pavilion, the two-story Kannon hall, was built in the spirit of the Golden Pavilion left by his grandfather, and the Togudo hall from 1486, Yoshimasa's private Buddhist hall, is a National Treasure.
The name 'Silver Pavilion' first appears in a guidebook from 1658, and not because of real silver. A scientific study during the renovation that began in 2007 found no trace of silver leaf, but black lacquer on the upper walls. In front of the pavilion are two sand forms: Ginshadan, a raked sand platform, and Kogetsudai, a truncated sand cone.
Near the temple the Philosopher's Path begins, about 2 km along a canal to Nyakuoji Shrine, in the direction of Nanzen-ji. It is named after Nishida Kitaro, a professor of philosophy at Kyoto University, who walked here every morning. The water in the canal comes from Lake Biwa and flows north, the opposite of the natural Shirakawa stream next to it.
Good to know
- From 1 November to 5 December 2026 there is a guided tour of the main hall and Togudo, which holds Yoshimasa's small study room, four and a half tatami. The tour is in Japanese only, about 30 minutes, ¥2,000 on top of the ticket, from 10:00 to 15:30. You sign up on a form in front of the hall about an hour before, photography is not allowed, and you need socks. On 15 November there are no tours at 11:00 and 12:00, and children below elementary school age cannot join.
- The Philosopher's Path is known for its cherry blossoms, which usually bloom in early April, and for its autumn leaves at the end of November. These are also the most crowded weeks, and if you arrive at the 08:30 opening you walk the path almost alone.
- Walk the path from north to south. It passes near Honen-in and ends near Eikan-do and Nanzen-ji, so you can link them all on foot in one morning.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Ginkaku-ji and Philosopher's Path.
- HereGinkaku-ji and Philosopher's Path
- ~4 min
Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden and Museum More to see
The house and garden that the painter Hashimoto Kansetsu built for himself from 1916, with exhibition halls for his paintings. He is the same painter who donated the cherry trees to the Philosopher's Path. ¥1,300. In October 2026 one of the two exhibition halls is closed at times during a change of exhibition.
- ~5 min
GOSPEL Cafe
A cafe with 35 seats near the Philosopher's Path, known for its scones and cakes. Lunch on weekdays only. Cash only.
- ~6 min
Omen Ginkakuji Honten Food
Omen's first restaurant, from 1967: thick udon that you dip in broth, with seasonal vegetables and sesame. ¥1,520, and there is also a version with a vegetarian (shojin) broth for ¥1,620.
- ~13 min
Botanic Coffee Kyoto Cafe
A cafe in the basement of an old building on Shishigatani street, with antique furniture and a green terrace. At lunch, 11:00-14:00, croque madame with salad and a drink, ¥1,700.
- ~20 min
Kanou Shojuan Kyoto Chashitsu Cafe
The teahouse of a long-established wagashi maker, at the south end of the Philosopher's Path. Matcha with the seasonal sweet, ¥1,650. Open only part of the year, see hours.
More in Northeast Kyoto
Appears in: Ginkaku-ji, the Philosopher's Path and Nanzen-ji: northern Higashiyama on foot · Walking Kyoto's eastern hills: from Ginkaku-ji to Gion via the Philosopher's Path