The Path of Philosophy is easily one of the most attractive sights in Kyoto ? a 2.2 km.  streamside path lined with blossoming trees and shrubs of every description. The area got its name as the Path of Philosophy from a Japanese philosopher in the 20th century named Nishida Kitaro who was also a professor at Kyoto University and would walk the path each day in quiet contemplation.  If you?re here early in the day before the crowds appear you can easily see how Nishida-san might have found the sound of the running water and white-eyes chirping in the trees could be conducive to walking meditation.