Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai sect and is also listed as a World Heritage site. Mt. Hiei lies on the border between Kyoto and Shiga, and because there are driveways and cable cars leading to the summit, it’s relatively easy to reach for worship. If using public transportation, take JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station or Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station, then transfer to the cable car. From the mountaintop, you can enjoy views of Lake Biwa as well as seasonal scenery like cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. The Enryakuji area is vast—about 1,700 hectares—so using the Mt. Hiei shuttle bus is convenient for moving around. The temple complex is divided into three main areas: Todo (East Pagoda), Saito (West Pagoda), and Yokawa. Todo is considered the birthplace area of Enryakuji and features the Konpon Chudo, a national treasure. Saito is centered around Shaka-do Hall, and you can also participate in training experiences there. Yokawa, located about 10–15 minutes away by shuttle bus from the other areas, is home to the Ganzan Daishi-do (dedicated to Ganzan Daishi), affectionately known as “Yokawa no Odaishi-san.”