Mount Hiei is a holy land dotted with the structures of Enryaku-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site surrounded by thick cedar groves that is the headquarters of the Tendai sect, and also offers picturesque scenery such as the view of old Kyoto from the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, and a gorgeous, sweeping view of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. We would like to suggest a sightseeing itinerary centered on Mount Hiei, starting in Kyoto and ending in Shiga.
Travel Schedule
Business hours are subject to change, and you are advised to check the official website before visiting.
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Kyoto Station
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9:00 Depart from JR Kyoto Station
Station Loop Bus (10 minutes)
Keihan Shichijo Station10 minutes on foot
Keihan Demachiyanagi Station
transfer
Eiden Demachiyanagi Station
Eiden 15 minutes
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Yase-Hieizanguchi Station & Hiei Train
Starting at Demachiyanagi Station, take the tourist train “Hiei”—which has a striking appearance—to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station. The retro Yase-Hieizanguchi Station is well-preserved and is a popular place to take photos. The station is surrounded by nature and in summer, you will hear children’s laughter as they play at the river.
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5 minutes on foot
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Eizan Cable and Eizan Ropeway
From Yase to the top of Mount Hiei, enjoy the 15-minute ride, starting on the Eizan Cable Car, the steepest ride in Japan, followed by a transfer to the ropeway all the way to the top of the 840-meter summit. The summit is about six degrees Celsius cooler than downtown Kyoto, so it may feel cold at the top.
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A short walk away
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Garden Museum Hiei
When you get off the ropeway, the west gate of Garden Museum Hiei welcomes you, a museum created around the theme of French impressionist paintings. Covering 1.7 hectares, the garden museum is excellent for a stroll to see the gardens and landscapes created in the style of French impressionist paintings, such as Monet's The Water-Lily Pond.
- Hours:
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.)
- URL:
http://www.garden-museum-hiei.co.jp/ - Japanese
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Shuttle Bus (5 minutes)
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Enryaku-ji Temple
Enryaku-ji Temple was constructed on Mount Hiei by Saicho (also known as Dengyo Daishi) in 788. Some 150 temple buildings dot the mountain temple grounds, which cover 500 hectares. They are divided into the three areas referred to as the Eastern Pagoda (To-do), the Western Pagoda (Sai-to) and Yokawa, each with its own central temple.
Konpon Chu-do
Note: Konpon Chu-do is currently undergoing renovation work.
The central temple of the East Pagoda, Konpon Chu-do, is also the main hall for all of Enryaku-ji. Completed in 1642, the current building enshrines the fumetsu no hoto, an eternal Buddhist light that has never gone out since it was first lit when Enryaku-ji Temple was established 1200 years ago.
- Hours:
- East Pagoda Area:
March to November: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January and February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
West Pagoda and Yokawa Area:
March to November: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
January and February: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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- In The Area
- In The Area
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Other Places to Visit
Here are some additional sightseeing locations not part of the tour that can be found at the various bus stops. Separate from the shuttle bus, there are buses that run regular routes between Mount Hiei and the urban Kyoto area (Kyoto Station, and Sanjo Station and Demachiyanagi Station on Keihan Electric Railway). These buses stop at the following locations in the Mt. Hiei area: Yokawa, Minemichi, Sai-to, the Enryakuji Bus Center, To-do and Mount Hiei summit.
Yokawa Chu-do Hall
Located about four kilometers from Sai-to is Yokawa Chu-do, the main hall for the Yokawa area. The building was reconstructed in 1971 in the stage-like butai-zukuri style with a brilliant, impressive vermillion lacquer finish.
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- In The Area
- In The Area
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Shaka-do
Located about a kilometer north of To-do, Shaka-do is the main hall of the Sai-to area.
Ninai-do
Ninai-do is composed of two identically shaped halls connected by a corridor, and its name means "borne temple hall," and comes from a legend that the buildings are carried, using a pole, on the shoulders of the warrior monk Benkei, known for his marvelous strength.
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10 minutes on foot
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Sakamoto Cable Car
The line from Mount Hiei down to Sakamoto in Shiga Prefecture on the Lake Biwa side of the mountain is about two kilometers, the longest cable car ride in Japan. The ride takes 11 minutes to connect to Cable Sakamoto Station at the base of the mountain. The route includes a view directly over Lake Biwa.
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5 minutes on foot
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Kyu Chikurin-in Temple
One of the monastic retreats for the monks of Enryaku-ji Temple. Home to a 3,300 meter square garden (National Designated Scenic Spot), the man-made waterfall, hills, trees, and moss are elegantly laid out to bring out the best sceneries in all four seasons. It is the perfect spot for taking beautiful reflection photos.
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
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5 minutes on foot
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Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
A National Treasure, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine was constructed about 2,100 years ago and is the oldest shrine in Japan. Located 300 meters to the south is the magnificent Hiyoshi Tosho-gu Shrine. It is said that Nikko Tosho Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, one of Japan's most prominent sightseeing locations, was reconstructed based on this beautiful shrine.
- Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
- URL:
http://hiyoshitaisha.jp/ - Japanese
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Sakamoto Hieizanguchi Station
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10 minutes on foot
Keihan Sakamoto Hieizanguchi Station
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- In The Area
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Saikyo-ji Temple
Saikyo-ji Temple is the head temple for the Tendai Shinsei sect of Buddhism with more than 450 branch temples throughout Japan. A quiet, elegant air floats through the temple grounds, and the sounds of chanting and the temple bell resound, creating a unique atmosphere.
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- In The Area
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Shiga-in Monzeki ruins
Points of interest include the Anoshu-zumi style stone wall, unique to the Sakamoto area, and gardens.
Area Map
