Kyoto’s Splendor Drenched in Red Leaves:: Philosopher’s Path:: Famous Maple Spots

The Philosopher’s Path is not only one of the best walking routes in Kyoto but also a renowned spot for cherry blossoms and maple leaves. It earned the name “Philosopher’s Path” because the philosopher Nishida Kitaro often used to walk and contemplate here. Stretching approximately 2 kilometers, the path connects Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji (South Zen Temple), lined with numerous tea houses, cafés, and artisan shops. Aside from admiring the flowers and foliage, visitors can sit down for tea, take a rest, or pick up some souvenirs. Nanzen-ji is a building from Japan’s Kamakura period, notable for its grand and imposing style, exuding a simple yet vibrant Zen atmosphere. Holding a very high status in the Japanese Buddhist world—ranking above Tenryu-ji, Shokoku-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Manju-ji—Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto’s important and famous temples. After being converted into a Zen temple, Nanzen-ji was once destroyed by war, so most of the current structures were rebuilt during the Momoyama period. From the approach to Nanzen-ji leading up to the mountain gate, almost all the shops along the way display signs for yudofu (boiled tofu). When visiting in autumn, you can choose a restaurant with a garden, enjoy the famous yudofu cuisine while admiring the maple trees swaying elegantly in the sunlight. Nanzen-ji includes the Hojo Garden, Hojo (Abbot’s Chamber), Sanmon (Three-Pillared Gate), and Nanzen-in. The Sanmon gate of Nanzen-ji is a wooden structure built in 1627. Though its colors are subdued, it appears grand and majestic.

Eikando is the foremost maple viewing destination in Eastern Kyoto. Within its grounds, beside the Karamon (Chinese-style gate), the courtyard features vivid red maples set against patterns of sand shaped like pine trees, green moss, and earthen walls—an enticing sight. Walking along the northern road within the temple complex and passing through the Chumon (Middle Gate), the corridors extend through various halls and have long been known as the “Maple Temple.” Viewing the Tahōtō (Stupa) atop the high platform through the red leaves offers the best vantage point. In late autumn, the entire precinct turns into a blazing red tapestry, truly breathtaking, and the temple’s night illumination is celebrated as the foremost fantasy-like nighttime scene in Eastern Kyoto. Founded in 1680, Hōnen-in was built to commemorate Hōnen, the founder of Japan’s Jōdo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. The temple includes the main hall and a garden. The main hall enshrines a statue of Amitabha Buddha, while the garden is a strolling pond-style garden. The grave of the great literary figure Jun'ichirō Tanizaki is also located within the temple grounds. Hōnen-in is famed in spring for its gorgeous camellias and is also one of Kyoto’s prime maple viewing spots in autumn, where brilliant red foliage clusters delicately in front of the plain mountain gate. The red umbrellas of the teahouse near the gate create a beautiful contrast with the red leaves overhead. When traveling in Kyoto this autumn, don’t miss this 2-kilometer literary trail blanketed with red maples—experience the “Philosopher’s Path” of Nishida Kitaro.

Read more: Tōshōin is a long-established yudofu restaurant (provided by Tripass Attractions)