Hieizan (Mount Hiei), located on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, is a beautiful area that encompasses many hiking trails, serene views in autumn, and is home to the famous Enryakuji Temple. Only an hour or so away from central Kyoto, Hieizan is the perfect getaway from the busy city into the majestic nature of Japan.
The Famous Hieizan Temple, Enryakuji
The Tendai monastery at Enryakuji Temple dates back to the early Heian period and is said to have been established around 788 by the Buddhist monk Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan.
Given this history, Enryakuji Temple is the headquarters of the Tendai sect and is considered to be one of the most important temples in Japan's history. In 1994, Enryakuji Temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Though Enryakuji Temple originally comprised of thousands of sub-temples and a huge temple complex on the mountain, it is now separated into three different areas that include: the To-do, the Sai-to, and the Yokokawa.
Each are within relatively easy walking distance from each other and hold several key buildings that are considered National Treasures. The best time to visit Enryakuji Temple is during autumn when the mountainside comes alive with the bright colors of the foliage.
Hieizan's Beauty
Hieizan is the located right on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures and it is a culturally important mountain range that is said to be the home of gods and demons according to Shinto lore.
However, it is better known for being home to Enryakuji Temple and the Buddhist monks that come from that temple. These monks are known for walking distances of over 80 kilometers a day for over 100 days in order to try to attain enlightenment.
The mountain itself is also very popular with hikers as there are plenty of trails to the peak of Hieizan itself and other mountains nearby. The views from the top of these mountains are said to the some of the most spectacular of the area.
Getting to Enryakuji Temple from Kyoto Station
Getting to Hieizan from Kyoto station normally takes about 2 hours, including train, bus, and cable car. So make sure you allow enough time for the round trip before setting off.
First take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Kyoto Station towards Omi-Maiko and get off at Hieizan-Sakamoto Station. From here, walk about 2 minutes to the Hieizansakamotoeki bus stop and take the bus to the Hieitaishamae stop.
From here, it is about a 7 minute-walk to the Cable Sakamoto Station. Take the cable car to Cable Enryakuji Station and then it is a 14-minute walk to Enryaku Temple.
Information
- Name: Enryaku-ji Temple
- Street address: 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116
- Access: A 2-hour trip via the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station, bus to Hieitaishamae, then a cable car to Cable Enryakuji Station
Getting to Hieizan from Kyoto Station
The easiest way to get to Hieizan from Kyoto Station is to take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station heading to Kokusaikaikan and getting off at Kokusaikaikan Station. From here, walk to the Kokusai Kaukan Ekimae bus stop and take the #19 bus to the Yase Ekimae stop.
From here, it is about a 3 minute-walk to the Cable Yase Station. Take the cable car to Cable Hiei Station where you can enjoy the Garden Museum and explore the surrounding slopes of Hieizan.
Information
- Name: Hieizan Mountain
- Street address: Yaseakimotocho, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto 601-1252
- Access: An hour trip via the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Kokusaikaikan Station, bus to Yase Ekimae Bus Stop, then a cable car to Cable Hiei Station
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