Get Exclusive App Deals
English
  1. Home
  2. Japan
  3. Kansai
  4. Kyoto
  5. Mount Hiei

Mount Hiei

Travel Info

Top 10 Must-Do Experiences and Attractions in Mount Hiei

Latest launches and promotions in Mount Hiei

Recommended travel destinations near Mount Hiei

More destinations

Reviews of Mount Hiei activities

Mount Hiei Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Mount Hiei year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): 10.5–19.3°C on average, the climate shifts from cold to warm, with increasing rainfall. Common activities: Hiking, enjoying mountain views. Recommended attire: Warm jacket, comfortable trousers and hiking boots, and it is recommended to bring rain gear.
  • Summer (June–August): 23.7–29.5°C on average, hot and humid, with abundant rainfall. Common activities: Avoiding the heat, visiting temples. Recommended attire: Light and breathable clothing, sun hat, and sunscreen.
  • Autumn (September–November): 19.1–27.1°C on average, pleasant climate, reduced rainfall. Common activities: Viewing autumn leaves, hiking. Recommended attire: Comfortable long-sleeved clothing, light jacket.
  • Winter (December–February): 5.1–7.2°C on average, cold and dry, with little rainfall. Common activities: Enjoying winter landscapes, onsen (in nearby areas). Recommended attire: Warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves.

Mount Hiei climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 17°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1656 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: August

Mount Hiei monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
5.1°C
47.4
February
6.1°C
72.5
March
10.5°C
131.3
April
16.4°C
182.2
May
19.3°C
199.8
June
23.7°C
248.8
July
28.9°C
176
August
29.5°C
254.7
September
27.1°C
127.3
October
19.1°C
105.2
November
13.9°C
91.9
December
7.2°C
19.2

Mount Hiei weather for the next seven days

12/18
Thursday
Sunny
10.3°C/5.1°C
12/19
Friday
Sunny
13.6°C/3.4°C
12/20
Saturday
Patchy rain nearby
13.1°C/7.7°C
12/21
Sunday
Patchy rain nearby
17.7°C/10.9°C
12/22
Monday
Patchy rain nearby
11.1°C/9.7°C
12/23
Tuesday
Patchy rain nearby
10.5°C/9.4°C
12/24
Wednesday
Partly Cloudy
12°C/8.4°C

Mount Hiei Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

How long does it take to hike Mount Hiei?

For the Mount Hiei to Mount Uryu to Kitashirakawa out-and-back trail, which covers 11.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,742 feet, it typically takes about 6.5 to 7 hours to complete.

Can you walk up Mount Hiei?

Yes, you can hike to the 848-meter summit of Mount Hiei. Starting from Kyoto's Shugakuin Station, the walk up takes approximately three hours through a dense forest that eventually opens up to towering cedar trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife during your ascent.

What is the significance of Mount Hiei?

Mount Hiei is a historically significant mountain located northeast of Kyoto. It is renowned as the home of the important Enryakuji Temple complex, a vast collection of temples and buildings that has played a crucial role in the development of Japanese Buddhism and culture.

How do you get to Mount Hiei?

There are a couple of primary routes to reach Mount Hiei. The Kyoto & Yase Route involves taking the cable car and ropeway from Yase, located northeast of Kyoto. Alternatively, the Lake Biwa & Sakamoto Route utilizes a cable car from Sakamoto in Shiga Prefecture.

What can I see at Mount Hiei?

Mount Hiei is most famous for the Enryakuji Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and numerous halls and pagodas. The mountain also offers beautiful natural scenery with walking trails through forests, making it a popular destination for both spiritual reflection and outdoor activity.