The Philosopher's Path (tetsugaku no michi) runs beside a canal in the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district and takes its name from the influential Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro’s habit of using the path for his daily walk and meditation on his way to work at Kyoto University.
With hundreds of cherry trees lining the canal, which was built during the Meiji Period to revitalize the local economy, and also powered Japan's first hydroelectric plant, the paths are one of Kyoto’s most popular hanami (cherry blossom season) locations. The two-kilometre walk has more than its share of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques can be found along the path, as well as a number of temples and shrines
Last time there were thousands revelling in the springtime sakura, and this time we weren't quite on our own, but if you wanted to be jostled you'd have to go well out of your way to find someone to bump into.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a leisurely walk and quiet contemplation, this was definitely the way to go. Most of the cherry leaves were gone, but you actually got a better view of the canal and surrounds without the mass of pink to distract you.