Kyoto Philosophy Walk with Philosopher (Private/6.5 hour)

Question: What is the "Pure Land," one of the most significant ideas in the Japanese Buddhism tradition?

Place to find the Japanese "Pure Land" Buddhist Philosophy:

This temple is located about 10 minutes walk from Kyoto Station and it is a head temple of one of the Japanese Pure Land Buddhism groups. Pure Land Buddhist philosophy has played a major role in Japanese intellectual and social life in history although it is less famous in the West than the Zen philosophy's influence on Japanese culture.

In contrast to Zen Buddhism, which was popular among the upper classes, Pure Land Buddhism was popular among the common people. It has unique ideas of the heaven, eschatology, and salvation of sin-bearing people. That is why, Karl Barth described it as the paganism that most closely resembles Christianity.

Question: What is Shintoism?

Place to feel Japanese Shintoist "pantheism" philosophy:

Yoshida Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, and until 150 years ago was also the site of government sanctioned headquarters of Japanese Shintoism although it is not so famous today. Japanese Shinto is generally associated with animism, however, Yoshida Shrine is known for having established a pantheistic Shinto philosophy that developed from animism, and is called the most philosophically sophisticated Shintoism among Japanese experts and researchers. Here is my favorite place and you can feel Shintoism teaching far deeper than in any other areas.

Question: What is a background of Japanese "simple is the best" philosophy?

Place to find a charm of simpleness:

This is a Zen temple and one of the world's cultural heritage sites in Kyoto. Built about 550 years ago, it is quite famous as the birthplace of the Japanese "simple is the best" culture. So, despite its name, the temple building is dark, not silver, though you can enjoy the depth of shabbiness that is a foundation of Japanese culture's preference for simplicity.

After visiting this temple, you can enjoy lunch at this restaurant located along the approach to Ginkakuji Temple.

Question: In what ways did the Japanese philosophers tackle with the Western tradition of philosophy?

Place to feel the Japanese modern philosophy with a philosophy researcher:

The Philosopher's Path is a famous walking path (about 1.5 km (a bit shorter than 1 mile) loved by local people. This is famous for a unique Japanese philosopher in the 20th century, Kitaro NISHIDA, who is known as the pioneer of modern Japanese philosophy. His works combined Western philosophy with Japanese Zen philosophy to create a unique system of philosophy. Here, the guide will introduce you his philosophy as a philosophy expert, and you will be able to deepen your understanding of Japanese religion and philosophy.

There are other unique spots related to Japanese folk beliefs and Buddhism in the walking path's neighborhood, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk while stopping at such secret places.

Question: What is the ideal landscape protection?

Place to learn philosophical thinking:

Suirokaku Aqueduct is a Western-style brick architecture located in the traditional Buddhist temple. It was built as a part of Japanese modernization project and creates a unique charm with a blend of Japanese and Western atmosphere, which is why it is popular on SNS such as Instagram. On the other hand, you can also enjoy here from a philosophical aspect because western-style construction in the traditional sacred place raised a philosophical debate over tradition, landscape preservation and globalism. It must be a good material for philosophical/ethical consideration.

Question: What is the theory of enlightenment in Buddhism?

Place to feel the "three steps for awakening":

Sanmon Gate means "a gate representing three steps to liberation." This gate is two stories high, and once inside, you will have to climb up the steep steps, but from the second floor you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city, and perhaps, attain enlightenment (as it represents "steps" one must go through to become enlightened!)

Question: What does an authentic Zen garden look like?

Place to deepen your understanding of the Japanese idea of the religion:

This is a Zen temple famous only among history-geek Japanese. In particular, the garden called "Tsurukame no Niwa" is highly appreciated as one of the most authentic Zen gardens in Japan.

In addition, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the model for Yoshii Toranaga, the main character in the drama "Shogun," is also located in the temple. Seeing Ieyasu's tomb, which is located in a temple but buried in the Shinto style, will deepen your understanding of the religious tradition in Japan.