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MIMARU Hotels Near Philosopher's Path
Stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, where willow branches brush your shoulders and cherry petals drift like whispered secrets. This gentle stream-side trail, once walked by thinkers, now invites you to slow down—each stone bridge, each tea house, a quiet chapter in Kyoto’s poetic soul.
MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Shijo
MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Central
MIMARU Kyoto Station
MIMARU Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji
MIMARU Kyoto Nijo Castle
MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Philosopher's Path
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Philosopher's Path entrance. Its minimalist design blends modern elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of cherry blossoms and maple trees. The hotel offers complimentary bicycles for exploring the path and nearby temples. Nearby hidden gems like Iwamichi Tea House serve matcha with wagashi, perfect for savoring Kyoto’s quiet philosophy amidst nature.
Along the path, visit Nanzen-ji Temple and Daitoku-ji Temple, both prominent Zen Buddhist sites with meticulously designed gardens. Participate in a tea ceremony workshop at a traditional tea house to experience the spirit of "wa-kei-sei-jaku" (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility). In spring, seek out wild cherry blossoms along the Kamo River; in autumn, witness stunning maple reflections in clear streams—ideal for photography and mindful contemplation.
Yes, it's very accessible. Take the subway to Kokusai-kaihatsu Station or Nishioike Station, then transfer to bus route 100, which stops near the path entrance in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, ride the city bus 100 directly from Kyoto Station. For walkers, a scenic 30-minute stroll along Shijo Street leads to the path, passing charming districts like Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you can explore historic machiya houses and local crafts.
Try Kyoto Shinsen Guesthouse, a restored machiya tucked away on a quiet alley near the western end of the path. Each room features natural materials like tatami and wood, with private garden courtyards ideal for morning meditation. The inn hosts daily zazen sessions and handcrafted tea gatherings, offering deep immersion into Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics. Nearby, Heian Shrine provides peaceful evening walks through ancient forested grounds, enhancing the sense of serenity.
The ideal times are late March to early April for cherry blossoms and mid-November to late December for fall foliage. During spring, the stretch from Togetsukyo Bridge to Ginkaku-ji blooms with delicate pink sakura, creating a dreamy canopy. In autumn, Daitoku-ji and Enko-ji temples showcase vibrant red and gold leaves mirrored in still streams—perfect for serene photography. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and fully embrace the path’s meditative atmosphere.
Visit the back garden of Tōfuku-ji Temple, accessible via guided tour, featuring a serene karesansui (dry landscape) garden with raked gravel and symbolic stones. Another hidden gem is the bamboo alley off Ujibashi Street, where towering green stalks create a natural tunnel with dappled light—perfect for cinematic shots. Also consider the stone paths beside the Kamo River at sunset, where golden light reflects off the water, ideal for silhouette photography. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the path’s flowing, linear beauty.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Philosopher's Path
MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
Staying at MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo was an absolutely fantastic experience. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Every staff member I interacted with was incredibly kind and professional—especially the lady who speaks Chinese; her warmth and helpfulness made a real difference. The location is perfect: just steps away from a bus stop, making it super easy to get around Kyoto. I had quite a bit of luggage, so I took a taxi from Kyoto Station—costing me about 20 RMB (under 150 JPY), which felt very reasonable. I accidentally left something behind in my room and reached out for help. They responded quickly, found my item right away, and even sent a prompt email to let me know it was ready for pickup. Their dedication to guest satisfaction is truly outstanding. This wasn’t just a stay—it was a genuinely thoughtful and memorable experience. I’ll definitely be back.
MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Shijo
Visiting Kyoto in late June to early July wasn’t ideal—the heat was intense and the sun was relentless, making it hard to appreciate the city’s charm. It felt a bit disappointing compared to my previous trip in September, which I absolutely loved. However, staying at MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Shijo completely turned things around. The daily complimentary sake and beer were a delightful surprise, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. I was especially impressed with the Sharp washing machine—it’s powerful, efficient, and made laundry so much easier. No hidden service fees either, which is a big plus. The room came fully equipped with a fridge, induction cooker, and microwave—perfect for preparing simple meals. Having two bathrooms was a game-changer, especially when traveling with others. Overall, despite the weather, the hotel experience was outstanding. It’s definitely a top choice for future visits to Kyoto.
MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Central
We recently stayed at MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Central with our family, and it was an excellent choice for our trip. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and offered a great sense of comfort—perfect for families. Despite being in a quiet area, it's just a short walk from the nearest subway station, making it incredibly convenient to explore downtown Kyoto and nearby attractions. The peaceful neighborhood adds to the relaxing vibe, and we appreciated the privacy and well-thought-out layout. With its unbeatable location, cleanliness, and thoughtful design, this hotel truly deserves a perfect 10/10. We’ll definitely be coming back here on our next visit to Kyoto—and highly recommend it to anyone traveling with kids or looking for a comfortable, hassle-free stay.
MIMARU Kyoto Station
Staying at MIMARU Kyoto Station was a fantastic experience! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the train station, making it super convenient for exploring the city. The room was spotless and comfortably designed, with a cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. The staff were warm and welcoming, going the extra mile to make us feel at home. I especially appreciated the little touch of a postcard left at check-out—it added a personal, thoughtful detail. The family-friendly room layout worked perfectly for our group, offering plenty of space and comfort. With such excellent value and attention to detail, I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Kyoto. Highly recommend this gem for travelers looking for a comfortable, hassle-free stay.
MIMARU Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji
The room at MIMARU Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji is genuinely spacious—60 square meters easily outshines most hotels I've stayed in Japan. It feels open and airy, with two desks that are perfect for working, eating, or just spreading out your stuff. While it’s a short walk to the nearest subway station, the location is still convenient enough for daily needs, with nearby convenience stores and small eateries. What really stands out is the value—this price point for this kind of space and comfort is hard to beat. I’d absolutely stay here again when visiting Kyoto. A great find for travelers who want room to breathe without breaking the bank.
MIMARU Kyoto Nijo Castle
We absolutely loved our stay at MIMARU Kyoto Nijo Castle! The room was spacious and well-designed, perfect for families. While our kids were too small to use the bunk beds, they still had a blast imagining themselves as adventurers in a fun, compact space—especially loved how much storage we had for luggage. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from Nijo Castle, close to major bus stops, and right in the heart of the Sanjo shopping district. Everything we needed was within easy reach. The amenities are plentiful and thoughtfully provided, and the staff went above and beyond with their warm, attentive service. This place truly stood out during our entire Japan trip—it’s not just a hotel, it’s a highlight. We’ll definitely be back.
MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
We stayed in the 6-person room, which was surprisingly spacious—perfect for our family of four with four single beds that gave us plenty of room to move around. The standout feature? A washer-dryer combo right in the room. After a full day of exploring, we could toss in our dirty clothes and come back later to fresh, clean laundry—no more hauling stained outfits in our suitcases. The kitchen also has a compact toaster oven, which made mornings so much better. We’d bake fresh bread each morning, enjoy it with coffee and local matcha treats—such a cozy, homey touch. It feels like living like a local without sacrificing comfort. Plus, the location is fantastic—just steps from the subway and easy access to all major attractions. Highly recommend this place for families or groups looking for space, convenience, and a real sense of home away from home.
Six Senses Kyoto
Staying at Six Senses Kyoto was an absolute highlight of my trip to Japan. From the moment I walked in, the warm and thoughtful Japanese hospitality stood out—staff were polite, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. The hotel itself feels fresh and modern, with a strong emphasis on sustainability woven into every detail, from the food and drinks to the design. I couldn’t book the spa (it’s famously popular), but the on-site hot spring was a wonderful alternative—perfect for unwinding after a long day. The omakase restaurant downstairs was an unforgettable experience; watching the chef craft each piece of sushi with such precision and care felt like art in motion. Even though I had the place mostly to myself during dinner and drinks at the bar, service remained impeccable and personal. Breakfast was a half-self-service spread—I enjoyed the Western-style options, though the omelette could’ve been fluffier. The Japanese rice was excellent, and while other dishes were just average, the welcome fruits and little pastries added a sweet touch, even if they didn’t quite hit the mark flavor-wise. A small disappointment: no welcome champagne, but that’s just a minor note in what was otherwise a flawless stay. If you’re looking for a serene, eco-conscious retreat with exceptional service and culinary charm, this is it.
Loisir Hotel Kyoto Toji
The location is excellent—just a short walk from Kyoto Station, making it super convenient for exploring the city and getting around by train. The hotel is spotlessly clean with all the essentials you’d expect, and the room amenities are well thought out. The only minor downside is that the two beds are placed side by side, which might not be ideal if you prefer more space between sleeping areas. One thing to note: after booking online, there’s an additional tax to pay upon check-in—I initially thought it was a deposit and even asked the front desk for a refund at checkout, only to get a confused look in return! Lesson learned. Also, if you want housekeeping service, make sure to place a sign outside your door—unlike some hotels back home, they don’t automatically assume cleaning is needed. Overall, this is a great stay with strong value for money, especially given the central location and clean, modern rooms. I’d definitely recommend it.
RESI STAY Gojozaka
Absolutely loved my stay! The hotel is perfectly located right next to major attractions, making it super convenient to explore Kyoto's top sights without needing to travel far. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with modern amenities. I appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the thoughtful touches that made the experience feel personal. Being just steps away from local charm and culture made the whole trip even more memorable. Highly recommend this spot for travelers who want a peaceful retreat while staying in the heart of the action.
Kamo Residences by Reflections
Staying at Kamo Residences by Reflections felt like coming home—warm, inviting, and full of thoughtful touches that made our trip unforgettable. Every detail, from the quiet garden nook on the first floor with its subtle fragrance to the serene view of the Kamo River just outside, created a peaceful retreat. The fresh air and natural beauty were invigorating—every breath felt like recharging your soul. The platform’s VIP group was incredibly helpful, offering personalized recommendations for restaurants and local spots we wouldn’t have found otherwise. It’s rare to find such comfort, charm, and genuine hospitality in one place. If we ever return to Kyoto, this will be our first choice again.
Kyoto Hot Spring Hatoya Zuihokaku Hotel
Staying here for three nights was an absolute delight! The hotel is incredibly clean and well-maintained, with a warm, authentic Japanese atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The breakfast was a standout—each morning brought a slightly different selection, keeping things fresh and enjoyable. I especially appreciated the friendly and attentive staff at the front desk; two of the ladies were genuinely helpful and went out of their way to assist us with any concerns. Their kindness truly enhanced our experience. Located just a short walk from major attractions like Gion and Fushimi Inari, it’s super convenient for exploring Kyoto. This place offers excellent value and comfort—definitely a top pick for anyone visiting the city.
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