All Reviews of The Head Temple of the Tendai Sect, Mt. Hiei (Hieizan) Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei is divided into three areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa, with Todo serving as the main center.

Although the Konpon Chudo is undergoing a major 10-year renovation, it remains open for worship during construction, and visitors can also observe the restoration work.

Saito is smaller in scale and has an overall peaceful atmosphere, and its buildings reflect a strong sense of history.

Yokawa is the most remote area, and its Chudo was designed based on a ship used by envoys to Tang China. Seen from a distance, it looks like a boat floating in the mountains.

The autumn scenery here is so pleasant. Being up in the mountains really makes you feel far away from the everyday world.

From Mt. Hiei, you can see Lake Biwa to the east and Kyoto to the west. The entire mountain is covered with temples, all collectively known as Enryakuji.

If you buy the Keihan Railway discount ticket for Mt. Hiei, you can save a lot. You’ll need to transfer to several different types of transportation along the way, so be sure to check the schedules.

This is the birthplace of Japanese Buddhism. It also went through periods of war and conflict, but now it's a World Cultural Heritage site.