Philosopher's Path

Pros

• We did the philosopher’s path after nightfall (so 6pm), and sannenzaka after. It was fine. Maybe even more magical and definitely less crowded.
• Another favorite day is starting at Enko-ji (my third favorite temple) and walking to the philosophers path
• Then we did a stroll up the Philosopher's Path. So pretty!
• Well so the philosopher's path is amazing in the spring
• In Kyoto, I would add philosophers path in the morning. Lots of temples and a beautiful scenic path without the crowds.

Cons

• Philosophers Path is a IMO waste of time in March, it and the temples along the path are famous for cherry blossoms and/or foliage neither of which are present in mid-March.
• I’d personally skip Philosopher’s Path in January. It shines in sakura season; in winter it’s peaceful but visually quite bare.
• I walked the Philosopher's Path in March of 2023 during cherry blossom season, and it was pretty crowded then.
• Depending on when in March, it could be very busy on the Philosophers Path. When the cherry blossom season starts that area becomes quite popular.
• Kyoto: I did the Philosopher's Path and unless it's cherry blossom/Sakura season or fall foliage season, it's not really worth doing on its own.