A half-day walk in The Philosopher's Path
About 1.95 km between the three mapped locations, plus walking within the sites.
This route runs from Ginkaku-ji south to Nanzen-ji, following the canal path. The walk between the first two stops is the long one, about 1.6 km.
This shows the order of the walk. It is a diagram, not a map, and not to scale. Walking times are map-route estimates between the listed locations.
How long to allow
| Ginkaku-ji | 45–70 minour estimate |
|---|---|
| Walk via the Philosopher's Path and Shishigatani-dori | about 21 minmap-route estimate |
| Eikan-do Zenrin-ji | 40–60 minour estimate |
| Walk via Shishigatani-dori | about 5 minmap-route estimate |
| Nanzen-ji | 50–80 minour estimate |
Walking times here are map-route estimates between the listed locations. Actual time varies with crowds, slopes, traffic signals and which entrance you use.
Distances are measured between the map's representative point for each site, not between gates.
Two ways to start
Early start — from 8:30
Who it suits. Travellers who prefer an 8:30 start at Ginkaku-ji, from March to November.
Worth knowing. In winter Ginkaku-ji does not open until 9:00. Nanzen-ji opens at 8:40 all year, so the order still works, but the first stop sets the start time.
| Typical finish | about 12:30 |
|---|---|
| If you take your time | about 13:30 |
Standard start — from 10:00
Who it suits. Travellers arriving from elsewhere in the city.
Worth knowing. Eikan-do stops admitting visitors at 16:00, before the other two stops. Starting at 10:00 leaves a clear margin.
| Typical finish | about 14:00 |
|---|---|
| If you take your time | about 15:00 |
Underfoot
These estimates cover travel between the mapped locations, not walking within the temple grounds. Accessibility within the sites has not been assessed for this guide.
Sources
| Ginkaku-ji hours | Ginkaku-ji — official site |
|---|---|
| Eikan-do hours and admission | Eikan-do Zenrin-ji — visiting hours and fees |
| Nanzen-ji hours and admission | Nanzen-ji — visiting hours and fees |
Information checked: September 4, 2026.