Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple
4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Japan, 520-0116
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hieizan has more than 1,200 years of history. It’s the head temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism, so it’s as significant as it is beautiful. Located at 2,782 feet (848 meters) in the mountains, visitors can admire the views over Kyoto and Lake Biwa while strolling among more than 100 buildings.
The basics
Although Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple was founded in 788, most current buildings date from the early Edo Period (17th century). It’s divided into three areas—Todo, Saito, and Yokawa—dispersed across the mountain. Most casual visitors will be satisfied visiting the main Todo area, but those interested in Japanese Buddhism might want to explore all three sections. Saito is 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) from Todo, and Yokawa is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) from Saito.
Things to know before you go
Tea and overnight accommodation are available at the Enryakuji Kaikan in the Todo area.
Shuttle buses and forest walks connect the Todo area with the other areas. The walk to the Saito area takes about 20 minutes, while the walk to the Yokawa area takes about 100 minutes.
There are separate entry fees for the temple (all areas) and the treasure house.
How to get there
Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple is on the border of Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) northeast of Kyoto city. The temple can be reached from Kyoto or Shiga. The Sakamoto Cablecar operates year-round from the Shiga side. Buses from Kyoto station and the Eizan Cablecar and Eizan Ropeway provide access from the Kyoto side, but none of these options operate in winter. Shuttle buses run between the upper stations of the Sakamoto Cablecar and Eizan Ropeway to the three areas of the temple, except December–March.
When to get there
The three areas are open daily from mid-morning until late afternoon. The Saito and Yokawa areas open a little later in winter. You can visit year-round, but many people will prefer to avoid winter as access is more limited and the temperatures cold at higher altitudes. Fall is stunning, with the colorful leaves in the surrounding cedar forest.
Visit Lake Biwa
While many international travelers visit the temple on a day trip from Kyoto, consider traveling onward to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, after descending the mountain. With a diverse ecosystem, the lake is a UNESCO-listed Ramsar Wetland. There are resorts around the shore, and it’s a popular place to swim, fish, birdwatch, and enjoy water sports.
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