Flower rafts on the path of philosophy

　Today, when the weather was fine, foreign tourists flocked to the Philosopher’s Path in droves, taking photos as they pleased. Especially popular were the flower rafts, which can only be seen at this time of year. Petals scattered by the wind cover the surface of the water and look like a flower raft.
　The cherry trees along the Philosopher’s Path were donated by Mr and Mrs Hashimoto Kansetsu, Japanese painters who were active in the Kyoto art world at the beginning of the 20th century, and there are currently around 400 trees along the waterway. Hashimoto Kansetsu was well versed in the Chinese classics and often travelled to China to create works based on classical Chinese literature and customs.
　He also had a deep knowledge of gardens, and designed his own building, Hakusasonso, which he considered his ideal home, and which is decorated with numerous stone artworks, as well as a studio and a tea room.
　The garden, which is the fruit of his aesthetic sense, is located right next to the bus stop Ginkakuji-mae and is highly acclaimed.
　It is a must-visit place when visiting the Philosophical Path.