basic information

Enryakuji on Hieizan, a wooded mountain northeast of Kyoto, has been one of the most significant monasteries in Japanese history. It is the headquarters of the Tendai sect, the Buddhist sect that served as foundation for a number of later evolving sects including the Pure Land (Jodo), Zen and Nichiren sects.

Central Main Hall (Todo)

National Treasures Repository (Todo)

Saicho, who introduced the Tendai sect to Japan, founded Enryakuji in 806. At its peak, Enryakuji had as many as 3000 subtemples and a powerful army of warrior monks who were not seldomly engaged in power struggles with other monasteries and political leaders.

On his way to remove all potential rivals and unite the country, Oda Nobunaga attacked and destroyed most of Enryakuji's buildings and monks in 1571.

Sakyamuni Buddha Hall (Saito)

Benkei's Shoulders Hall (Saito)

Today, most of Enryakuji's attractions are concentrated in three areas: Todo (East area) where Enryakuji was originally founded, Saito (West area) which can be reached from Todo in a pleasant 20 minute walk through the forest, and the more distant and less spectacular Yokawa area.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

By train, there are two possible routes: The first route approaches the mountain from the Kyoto side by Eizan Railways from Demachi-Yanagi Station to the foot of the mountain (15 minutes, 260 Yen), from where there is a cablecar (1040 Yen round trip) followed by a ropeway (600 Yen round trip).

The second route approaches the mountain from the Lake Biwa side by the JR Kosei Line to Hiei Sakamoto Station (15 minutes, 320 Yen one way). The Sakamoto Cablecar then leads up the mountain (1570 Yen round trip). It is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride from the JR to the cable car station.

There are also some infrequent direct buses to the top of Mount Hiei from Kyoto Station (operated by Kyoto Bus) and Keihan Sanjo Station (operated by Keihan Bus). The one way trip takes about one hour and costs around 800 Yen.

Orientation in Kyoto

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 946
Users who have been to Hieizan: 64

29th of 41 most visited sights in Kyoto.
141st of 430 most visited sights nationwide.

VIDEO Kyoto - Beyond Gion Look around and explore beyond the downtown geisha districts.

hotels & ryokan

Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Ryokan Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby.

tours and packages

Atlas Japan Tour Customized tours emphasizing cultural experiences and communication to find real Japan. Education and exchange program available. Kyoto Tours Various English tours of Kyoto and surroundings.

english links

japanese links