Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei Ticket

Tour Highlights

Visit one of the most important temples in Japanese history, designated as a World Heritage Site

The temple has a long history dating back to 788 and serves as the head temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, from the summit of Mount Hiei

The main hall of Enryaku‑ji Temple has been undergoing a renovation project since 2016, expected to last about 10 years. During the renovation, the main hall will be covered with scaffolding, but visitors can still enter the hall

Perched atop Mount Hiei on the border of Shiga and Kyoto, Enryaku‑ji Temple is not only a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site but also the head temple of the Japanese Tendai sect, earning the distinguished title of "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism." Since its founding by the missionary monk Saichō in 788, it has witnessed dynastic changes and the transmission of Buddhist teachings over more than 1,200 years. To this day, it remains a sacred and solemn place of spiritual practice, with every corner holding profound stories of history and faith.

The Eastern Pagoda is the birthplace and core area of Enryaku‑ji Temple, with the main hall, Konponchudo, serving as its spiritual heart. It enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) crafted by Saichō himself, and the Eternally Burning Lamp in front of the statue has been refueled daily for over 1,200 years without ever being extinguished, symbolising the unbroken lineage of Buddhist tradition. The hall itself is a National Treasure of Japan, and its outer corridor is also an Important Cultural Property.

A five‑minute walk leads to the Amida Hall, in front of which lies a Suikinkutsu (water harp cave) exuding deep Zen spirit. As water droplets fall into the underground pond, they produce ethereal and distant natural sounds. Sitting quietly and listening, one's worldly worries are washed away.

The Western Pagoda was founded by Enchō, the second head of the Tendai sect, and is nestled among dense cedar forests, offering a more serene atmosphere than the Eastern Pagoda. Shakado Hall, the main hall of the Western Pagoda, is the oldest surviving 14th‑century building in Enryaku‑ji Temple, enshrining statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra, exuding an air of antiquity.

The Yokawa area was expanded under the direction of Bishop Jikaku (Ennin), with the Yokawa Chudo Hall at its centre. Surrounding halls such as Eshin‑do and Shiki Kodo bear the traces of the spiritual practices of many eminent monks, making it an ideal place for a tranquil stroll and a Zen‑inspired exploration.

Spectacular Mountain Views: At an elevation of 848 metres, Mount Hiei offers an outstanding vantage point overlooking Lake Biwa and Kyoto city. In spring, fresh greenery appears; in autumn, the maples turn crimson; in winter, the landscape is covered in snow – each season presents a different, magnificent scenery. The mountain's ecosystem is well preserved, making it a breeding ground for birds designated as Japanese national natural monuments.

Cradle of Buddhism: This mountain is not only the foundation of the Tendai sect but also nurtured founders of new Kamakura Buddhist schools such as Honen, Shinran, and Nichiren, earning it the widely recognised title of "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism." The temple houses 10 National Treasures and over 50 Important Cultural Properties, from Buddhist statues and scriptures to ancient architecture – every element bears the imprint of history.

Spiritual Practice Experience: The Eastern Pagoda area offers temple lodging (shukubo) where visitors can book a stay and experience vegetarian meals and morning prayers alongside the monks, immersing themselves in a pure monastic life amidst the sounds of morning bells and evening drums.