Philosopher's Path & Lake Biwa Canal Cherry Blossom Day Tour 🌸

#cherryblossom25 This route is a perfect blend of history, nature, and philosophy, all tied together with a cherry blossom theme. From the starting point of the Philosopher's Path to the end, and then from the terminus of the Lake Biwa Canal back to the starting point, it offers a seamless experience with many places to visit along the way. It's one of those routes that, when mentioned, gives off the vibe that you really know Kyoto. 😌✨ Here’s my route recommendation for a one-day cherry blossom adventure, adaptable to your preferences. 🌸🌿 1. Picnic at the Kamogawa Delta 🦆🍡 Start your day with a relaxing picnic by the Kamogawa River. Sitting under the cherry blossoms, eating sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes), and enjoying the peaceful river scenery feels like stepping into an anime scene. It’s a perfect spot to slow down and enjoy Kyoto’s natural beauty. 2. Philosopher's Path (Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji) 🏛️ Begin at the famous Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and walk along the Philosopher’s Path to Nanzen-ji Temple. Along the way, you can visit several scenic spots including: Happiness Jizo (幸福地藏) Daifuku Shrine (大丰神社) Kumano Wakamiya Shrine (熊野若王子神社) Eikan-do Temple (永观堂) I've walked this path multiple times, and for this trip, I stopped by Daifuku Shrine and Nanzen-ji. The cherry blossoms along the Philosopher’s Path create an enchanting atmosphere, and it’s great for a peaceful stroll. 3. Keage Incline & Keage Canal Park 🚂🌿 This is one of my favorite spots year-round, offering a unique atmosphere compared to the traditional ancient temples of Kyoto. The industrial vibe here contrasts beautifully with the city’s historic landscape, providing a sense of being in a time of great change (a bit of background on the Lake Biwa Canal adds to the charm). From the park, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Kyoto Okazaki area, including the impressive Torii gate at Heian Shrine. This spot is also historically significant, as it’s linked to the legendary departure of Minamoto no Yoshitsune from Kurama on his way to the Oshu region. It even makes an appearance in the Conan M7 series! 4. Lake Biwa Otsu (琵琶湖大津) 🏞️ After a short train ride from Keage, you’ll reach Otsu, located by Lake Biwa. Last year, I disembarked at Otsu Port while taking the Lake Biwa Canal boat tour. The area is very peaceful, with lots of fishermen enjoying the tranquil lakeside. While there aren’t many attractions, the atmosphere feels like a seaside resort, offering a perfect spot to relax and unwind while enjoying the view of the expansive lake. #travel