Exploring Kyoto: A Cultural Adventure with Friends

Finding Peace on the Philosopher's Path

Today, I embarked on a journey of reflection and discovery through Kyoto's serene landscapes and historic temples. It was a day filled with quiet contemplation, stunning sights, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and tranquility that this ancient city offers. Join me as I share my experiences walking the Philosopher's Path and exploring the magnificent Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji temples.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at French Dining Top of Kyoto, located in the hotel. Nang and I enjoyed some pastries and coffee, fueling up for a day of walking and exploration. The view from the restaurant was lovely, overlooking a part of the city.

After breakfast, we set out for the Philosopher's Path. The Philosopher's Path, a stone path that follows a canal lined with cherry trees, is named after Nishida Kitaro, a famous philosopher who meditated while walking this route. Although the cherry blossoms are mostly gone, the path still held a quiet beauty. The gentle sound of the water flowing alongside the path was incredibly soothing. As I walked, I couldn't help but reflect on my own life, my family, and the journey that brought me from Lampang to Montreal and now to this beautiful city.

The path meandered through quiet neighborhoods, past small gardens and the occasional shop selling local crafts. It was a peaceful escape from the bustling city, a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple things. I could see why Nishida Kitaro found inspiration here. I made sure to take a few photos, though they never quite capture the feeling of being there.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its grand temples and gardens, but in the quiet corners where one can find peace and reflect on life's journey.

Our walk along the Philosopher's Path led us to Nanzen-ji, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. The temple's history dates back to the 13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa here and later converted it into a Zen temple. The sheer size of the temple complex was impressive, and the towering Sanmon entrance gate was a sight to behold. Nang and I took some time to explore the grounds, admiring the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere.

One of the unique features of Nanzen-ji is the brick aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds. Built during the Meiji Period, the aqueduct is part of a canal system that carries water between Kyoto and Lake Biwa. It was quite a surprise to see such a modern structure within the ancient temple grounds, but it added an interesting layer to the temple's history.

We explored some of Nanzen-ji's sub-temples, each with its own distinct character. Nanzenin Temple, located behind the aqueduct, was particularly beautiful, with its serene garden and mausoleum of Emperor Kameyama. Konchi-in Temple, another sub-temple, featured a variety of buildings, rock gardens, and even a small shrine. Each corner of Nanzen-ji seemed to offer a new discovery, a new perspective on Zen Buddhism and Japanese culture.

For lunch, we enjoyed a vegan meal at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. I’m not vegan, but the food was delicious. It was a welcome change of pace and provided a much-needed energy boost for the rest of our day. I have found that trying new foods is a great way to immerse myself in the local culture. It reminds me of my own restaurant in Montreal and how I try to share a piece of Thailand with my customers.

After lunch, we made our way to Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion. Built in the 15th century by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as his retirement villa, Ginkaku-ji was modeled after Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Despite its name, the Silver Pavilion was never covered in silver, but it is still a stunning sight. The simple, elegant design of the pavilion and the surrounding gardens exuded a sense of tranquility.

The gardens at Ginkaku-ji were particularly impressive, with a meticulously raked sand garden known as the Sea of Silver Sand and a lush moss garden with ponds and streams. As we walked along the path, we enjoyed views of the pavilion and the surrounding hills. The gardens were designed to encourage contemplation, and I found myself lost in thought as I wandered through the serene landscape.

One interesting fact I learned was that Ginkaku-ji was a center of contemporary culture during Yoshimasa's time, influencing everything from tea ceremonies to flower arrangements and Noh theater. It's fascinating to think about how this place, now a symbol of tranquility, was once a hub of artistic innovation.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya. The atmosphere was lively, and the teppanyaki-style cooking was entertaining to watch. The food was delicious, and it was a fun way to end our day of temple hopping and philosophical reflection.

Finally, before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Bar Fishbowl for a nightcap. I had heard good things about their selection of Japanese whiskeys, and I was not disappointed. The bar had a cozy atmosphere, and it was a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Heian Shrine, Maruyama Park, and Yasaka Shrine. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Kyoto's cultural treasures and experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere. I’m particularly excited about seeing Heian Shrine as I heard it has a beautiful garden. I also want to find Maiko Antiques Kyoto. Nang would love to see that.

As I reflect on today, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of Kyoto. It was a day of quiet contemplation, stunning sights, and a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, I will cherish the memories of this peaceful day on the Philosopher's Path.

Kyoto continues to surprise and inspire me. I am glad that I can share these experiences with you. Until tomorrow!


Explore the Philosopher's Path, a serene journey through nature and philosophy in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms and historic temples.


Discover the tranquility of Nanzen-ji, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, where spirituality meets stunning natural beauty.


Discover the exquisite flavors of French cuisine at French Dining Top of Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets stunning views.


Discover exquisite vegan delights at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO – where culinary creativity meets sustainable living.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.


Discover Kyoto's nightlife at Bar Fishbowl, a cocktail haven with stunning views and expertly crafted drinks in the heart of the city.