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Kyoto, the seventh largest city of Japan is located on the middle-western portion of the Honshu Island. Fortressed from all four sides by small mountains; this city is known as the cultural capital of Japan. Kyoto boasts of having approximately1600 Buddhist temples, numerous Shrines and a great number of exotic parks and gardens. This was the reason why this city was spared during World War II from the allied bombing. This makes Kyoto the best preserved city in Japan. The center of the city is considered as the business district. The northern part of Kyoto is less populated and is carpeted in rich greenery. In this part of the town, many famous parks and gardens are located. However the entire city- irrespective of districts- abounds in temples, shrines as well as parks. The Japanese parks and gardens have always been the major source of attraction among the tourists. They are not merely a source of greenery and tranquility; rather they contain the Buddhist Philosophy with their aesthetic beauty. The Philosophers Park, Kyoto is one such park. It is famous among the locals and the visitors alike. The Philosophers Park, Kyoto is also known as the Philosopher’s walk. Stretched along a 2 km long path through north-eastern Kyoto, the entire stretch is lined by cherry trees. The springtime is however the best season to take a leisurely walk along the beaten track as this season sees the cherry trees in full bloom. The place got its name from the famous philosophy professor, Kitaro Nishida, who used to stroll along this peaceful stretch of road deeply engrossed in meditation. Though, the Philosopher’s park in Kyoto nowadays is frequented by a lot of people, one can still escape from the din and bustle of the city into the trail’s serenity. The trail starts from the Ginkakuji Temple and continues up to the Nyakuoji Shrine. Many guidebooks however mark the Nanzenji Temple as the end point of this trail. The walk is very relaxing and one encounters several temples on the way; the most famous among them is Honen-in. This temple is very beautiful with a thatched gate. The entry to this serene trail is absolutely free. So, if you are searching for tranquility; a walk down the philosopher’s trail is what you should try out.
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