![Kansai Shiga: Autumn Foliage Day Trip Tour to the World Heritage Site, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Enjoy the scenery using three modes of transport: Sakamoto Cable Car, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable Car [Departing from Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba OCAT, and KYOTO AVANTI]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_800%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_1240/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28075/20260807083103_mCBWj/jpg)
![Kansai Shiga: Autumn Foliage Day Trip Tour to the World Heritage Site, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Enjoy the scenery using three modes of transport: Sakamoto Cable Car, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable Car [Departing from Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba OCAT, and KYOTO AVANTI]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28075/20260807083103_Jv83k/jpg)
![Kansai Shiga: Autumn Foliage Day Trip Tour to the World Heritage Site, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Enjoy the scenery using three modes of transport: Sakamoto Cable Car, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable Car [Departing from Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba OCAT, and KYOTO AVANTI]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28075/20260807083103_U972G/jpg)
![Kansai Shiga: Autumn Foliage Day Trip Tour to the World Heritage Site, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Enjoy the scenery using three modes of transport: Sakamoto Cable Car, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable Car [Departing from Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba OCAT, and KYOTO AVANTI]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28075/20260807083103_gE2cg/jpg)
![Kansai Shiga: Autumn Foliage Day Trip Tour to the World Heritage Site, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Enjoy the scenery using three modes of transport: Sakamoto Cable Car, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable Car [Departing from Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba OCAT, and KYOTO AVANTI]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28075/20260807083103_xhnSM/jpg)
Kansai Shiga: Autumn Foliage Day Trip Tour to the World Heritage Site, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei | Enjoy the scenery using three modes of transport: Sakamoto Cable Car, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable Car [Departing from Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba OCAT, and KYOTO AVANTI]
- An autumn day trip bus tour around the World Heritage site of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei! Visit the East Pagoda and Yokokawa, the inner sanctuary of Mount Hiei, and pay your respects at the historic temple buildings. Enjoy the autumn foliage in Yokokawa, surrounded by abundant nature, while efficiently visiting the highlights of Mount Hiei in one day.
- Enjoy three different modes of transportation: the Sakamoto Cable Car, the Hieizan Ropeway, and the Eizan Cable Car! Take the Sakamoto Cable Car on the way there, and the Hieizan Ropeway and Eizan Cable Car on the way back. The varied route traversing Mount Hiei is one of the unique pleasures of this tour.
- This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour offered by Club Tourism, a major Japanese travel company with over 70 years of history. Our tours are accompanied by tour guides renowned for their hospitality, and are highly regarded by customers from various nationalities. While the tours are conducted in Japanese, many participants do not speak Japanese, so even first-time travelers can participate with confidence.
Package Options
Product Info
- This product is a "request reservation," and it will take some time to confirm your reservation. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so depending on the situation, you may be placed on a waiting list or your reservation may not be accepted. The final confirmation of your reservation will be made when the voucher is issued. In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled due to being fully booked or other reasons, we will contact you within the specified number of days. Please note that if you do not wish to be placed on a waiting list, you can cancel (refund) your reservation.
- This tour is conducted entirely in Japanese. Please note that all information provided by the tour guide during the trip will be in Japanese only. However, to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information to the extent possible using translation apps (meeting place, departure time, etc.).
[Advance Notice]
Please observe the following rules when participating.
Please make your reservation using your correct name and email address.
Please be punctual during the tour.
If you are late for the meeting time, the tour will depart.
Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple, East Pagoda: The East Pagoda is the central area of the World Heritage Site, Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple. Known as the birthplace of Enryaku-ji Temple, it is dotted with historical buildings such as the main hall, Konpon Chudo, and the Great Lecture Hall. Surrounded by the rich nature of Mount Hiei, the trees turn red and yellow in autumn, allowing visitors to enjoy the picturesque scenery created by the historical buildings and autumn leaves. Enjoy a stroll through the temple grounds in autumn while feeling the passage of time.
Enryaku-ji Temple, Mount Hiei, Yokokawa Chudo: Yokokawa Chudo is one of the three main halls of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, and the heart of the Yokokawa area. It is characterized by its stage-like structure, which is said to be modeled after a Japanese envoy ship to Tang China. Surrounded by abundant nature, its quiet and peaceful atmosphere is also a major attraction. In autumn, the trees turn vibrant colors, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in harmony with the vermilion-painted hall and the autumn leaves. Enjoy a visit unique to autumn while feeling the profound history and nature of Mount Hiei.
The Eternal Flame of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei: The "Eternal Flame of Dharma" burns continuously in the main hall, Konpon-chudo, of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. It is said to have been lit when Dengyo Daishi Saicho founded Enryaku-ji Temple, and has been passed down without interruption for approximately 1,200 years. It is also said to be one of the origins of the saying "Carelessness is the greatest enemy," and has been carefully maintained by monks to ensure that the oil does not go out. It is one of the symbols of Mount Hiei, conveying the long history and tradition of prayer of Enryaku-ji Temple to the present day.
Hieizan Railway Line: The Sakamoto Cable Car connects Cable Sakamoto Station and Cable Enryakuji Station in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Known as Japan's longest cable car, boasting a total length of approximately 2 km, it provides access to Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. From the windows, you can enjoy the rich natural scenery of Mount Hiei, and in autumn, the route is adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. The approximately 11-minute ride offers a charming journey to Mount Hiei while enjoying the mountain scenery.
Hieizan Driveway (Okuhieizan): A scenic drive through the rich natural beauty of Mount Hiei. It serves as a route connecting various areas of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, offering stunning mountain views. The Okuhieizan area, in particular, is attractive for its abundant natural scenery, and in autumn, the trees along the road turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful autumn foliage landscape. It's an exhilarating drive route where you can enjoy the magnificent nature and autumn colors unique to Mount Hiei from the window of your car, while feeling the changing seasons.
Eizan Cable Car: The Eizan Cable Car connects Yase in Kyoto with Mount Hiei. It takes approximately 9 minutes to travel from Cable Yase Station to Cable Hiei Station, and boasts one of the largest elevation differences of any cable car in Japan, exceeding 500 meters. In addition to providing access to Mount Hiei, its charm lies in the opportunity to enjoy the rich natural scenery that changes with the seasons from the windows. In autumn, the trees along the route turn vibrant colors, allowing you to enjoy the journey while gazing at the mountain scenery enveloped in autumn foliage.
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Osaka/Kyoto/Shiga
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Nara Kotsu or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Minimum number of participants: 28
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the tour.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 28 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 14 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please note that if you book with an odd number of people, you may be seated with a mixed-gender group on the bus.
Effective May 1, 2025, for domestic travel departing on or after this date, a fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged for any changes to meal plans due to food allergies, religious reasons, etc., plus the actual cost of any price difference. Please notify us at least 14 days before your departure date. For requests made after that, please contact us to discuss.
Delays due to transportation delays, or non-participation, will also be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the stated departure time.
Due to major renovations underway since April 2016, the main hall (Konpon-chudo) may be covered or have scaffolding erected in some areas.
Seating on the cable car is non-reserved seating, and since you will be riding with the general public, you may not be able to find a seat during peak hours. *The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
In the event that the ropeway service is suspended due to bad weather or other reasons, we will refund the equivalent amount of the group fare and guide you to another tourist destination.
The Hieizan Ropeway is expected to be very crowded, and there may be a waiting time before boarding.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as there will be some walking involved.
The order of the itinerary may be changed, and your tour guide will inform you of this on the day of the tour.
The best time to see the autumn foliage may vary depending on weather conditions. Please note that even if the autumn foliage viewing spots are not visible after the departure date has been confirmed, the tour will still proceed. *Please be aware that we may change some parts of the tour itinerary or cancel the tour altogether.
FAQ
1. What is the World Heritage significance of Hieizan Enryakuji Temple?
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its profound influence on Japanese Buddhism. Established by Saicho in the 8th century, it served as a vital training ground for many of Japan's most prominent Buddhist leaders and sects. Its extensive complex on Mount Hiei symbolizes a significant spiritual and cultural legacy.
2. How much time should I plan for visiting the key areas of Hieizan Enryakuji Temple?
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is an extensive complex. To thoroughly explore its key areas, such as the Todo (Eastern Pagoda) and Yokokawa, which are often highlighted in day tours, it's recommended to allocate at least a half to a full day. This allows sufficient time to visit important halls like Konpon Chudo, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and navigate between the scattered temple buildings.
3. Who founded Hieizan Enryakuji Temple and what was its original purpose?
Hieizan Enryakuji Temple was founded by the revered monk Saicho (also known as Dengyo Daishi) in 788 AD. Its original purpose was to establish a major center for Tendai Buddhism in Japan, focusing on rigorous study and meditation. It also played a crucial role as a spiritual guardian for the new capital, Kyoto, aiming to foster national peace and prosperity.
4. What significant historical events took place on Mount Hiei related to Enryakuji Temple?
Mount Hiei, with Enryakuji Temple, was historically a formidable monastic power. It famously suffered a devastating destruction in 1571 by Oda Nobunaga, who sought to crush its political and military influence during his campaign to unify Japan. Despite this, the temple complex was gradually rebuilt over subsequent centuries, restoring its spiritual significance.
5. What are the must-see attractions at Hieizan Enryakuji Temple's Todo and Yokokawa areas?
In the Todo (Eastern Pagoda) area, the most significant attraction is Konpon Chudo, the main hall housing an eternally burning flame. Yokokawa, known as the "inner sanctuary," features the distinctive Yokawa Chudo Hall, built hanging over a valley, and is particularly beautiful during autumn foliage. Both areas offer unique historical architecture and serene natural settings.
6. When is the optimal season to experience the autumn foliage at Hieizan Enryakuji Temple?
The optimal season to experience the stunning autumn foliage at Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is typically from late October through mid-November. During this period, Mount Hiei, especially around the Yokokawa area, transforms into a vibrant canvas of red, orange, and gold, offering breathtaking views and a truly picturesque backdrop for exploration.
7. What unique views and experiences do the Sakamoto Cable, Hieizan Ropeway, and Eizan Cable offer on Mount Hiei?
The Sakamoto Cable provides scenic views of Lake Biwa, while the Eizan Cable and Hieizan Ropeway offer panoramic vistas of Kyoto city and the surrounding mountains. Utilizing these three distinct transportation methods allows visitors to traverse different sections of Mount Hiei, experiencing varied natural landscapes and unique perspectives of the temple complex as they ascend and descend.
8. Is Hieizan Enryakuji Temple suitable for visitors who do not understand Japanese guidance?
Yes, Hieizan Enryakuji Temple is suitable for visitors who do not understand Japanese. While some guided tours provide commentary in Japanese, the temple's profound historical and architectural beauty, along with its serene natural setting, can be fully appreciated visually. Many non-Japanese speaking travelers participate in tours and find the experience enriching, often utilizing guidebooks or personal translation tools for deeper insight.
