Pilgrimage fee to the various halls of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)
- Mount Hiei is located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, and to the east it overlooks Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan and also known as the "Tendai Yakushi Pond," while to the west it is a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of the cityscape of the ancient capital of Kyoto.
- You can spend a refreshing time strolling through the lush grounds and coming into contact with the historic buildings and Buddhist statues.
- KKday allows you to purchase your Enryakuji Temple admission tickets in advance, ensuring a smooth visit.
Attraction Tickets
| Ticket type | E-ticket (requires redemption) |
| Exhibit type | Traditional culture exhibits |
| Attraction type | History & culture |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
-About Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei-
The head temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Dengyo Daishi Saicho in 788. It is also known as the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The temple grounds cover the entire area of Mount Hiei and are made up of three areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa.
- East Pagoda
The East Pagoda is the birthplace of Enryaku-ji Temple and is an area centered around the main hall, the Konponchudo Hall.
In the East Pagoda area, there is the Enryakuji Bus Center, where you can take shuttle buses to the summit of Mt. Hiei, the West Pagoda, and the Yokokawa area, as well as local buses to Kyoto city.You can also take the Sakamoto Cable Car to get to the temple town of Sakamoto.
- West Pagoda
The West Pagoda is an area centered around the Shakado Hall, which is the main hall.
5 minutes by shuttle bus from the Toto area, or 20 minutes on foot (unpaved road, slopes, stairs)
10 minutes by shuttle bus from Yokokawa area.
- Yokokawa
Yokokawa is an area centered around Yokokawa Chudo, the main hall.
The main hall is Yokokawa Chudo, which has a stage modeled after a Japanese envoy ship to the Tang Dynasty. Other buildings include Eshindo, where the monk Genshin, author of the Ojoyoshu, retired, and Shikikodo (Gansandaishido), which enshrines Gansandaishi Ryogen, famous for his fortune-telling and talismanic horns.
From the Toto area, it is 15 minutes by shuttle bus, or over 100 minutes on foot (Tokaido Nature Trail).
10 minutes by shuttle bus from the Saito area.
- Enryakuji Temple Pilgrimage Hours -
- East Pagoda area and Shigain Shogenji Temple at the foot of the mountain
Year-round 9:00-16:00
- Saito and Yokokawa districts
December to February: 9:30 to 16:00
March to November: 9:00 to 16:00
*Pilgrimage registration opens at 15:45.
*Due to unforeseen circumstances, strong winds, snowfall, etc., the closing time of the temple may be earlier or the pilgrimage time for the various temples may be changed.
*Please note that entry may be restricted due to memorial services, events, etc.
-About the National Treasure Hall-
Located near the Toto Area Enryakuji Temple Bus Center, this facility is used to store the numerous Buddhist statues, paintings, calligraphy and other cultural assets that have been passed down to Enryakuji Temple.
Many of the items are designated as national treasures or important cultural properties, allowing you to get a glimpse of the history of Enryaku-ji Temple.
- National Treasure Hall Opening Hours -
Year-round 9:00-16:00
Last admission 15:45
Amida Hall and the East Pagoda of Hokke Soji-in Temple
How to present your Swipe Voucher
Redemption Location
Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei
Address Info: 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-0116How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please click on the redemption link in the order confirmation email, enter the verification code (skip this step if you have already logged in), and follow the on-site staff's instructions to complete the Swipe to Redeem process
Voucher Redemption Period
- Valid for redemption within 1month(s) from the date of issue; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei
Address: 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, 520-0116Cancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was founded in 788 AD by Saicho, who introduced the Tendai sect of Buddhism to Japan. Situated on Mount Hiei, it developed into a powerful monastic complex that profoundly influenced Japanese religious and political history for centuries, serving as the head temple of the Tendai school.
A significant historical event involving Enryaku-ji Temple was the siege by Oda Nobunaga in 1571. Due to the temple's considerable political and military power, Oda Nobunaga ordered its destruction, leading to the burning of many structures and the tragic loss of life. The temple was later rebuilt and restored.
Mount Hiei is deeply revered as a sacred mountain and a cradle of Japanese Buddhism. Enryaku-ji Temple is considered the spiritual heart of the Tendai sect, producing many influential figures who went on to found other major Buddhist schools in Japan. It symbolizes a place of rigorous spiritual training and profound religious learning.
Yes, Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei is highly recommended for its rich cultural and historical significance, combined with stunning natural scenery. Visitors can explore ancient temple buildings, immerse themselves in a serene spiritual atmosphere, and enjoy panoramic views, making it a truly rewarding experience.
Visitors to Enryaku-ji Temple can spend a refreshing time strolling through lush, tranquil grounds dotted with historic buildings and Buddhist statues. The expansive complex is divided into three main areas—Todo, Saito, and Yokawa—each offering unique insights into the temple's heritage and providing opportunities for quiet contemplation amidst nature.
Exploring the main areas of Enryaku-ji Temple, which include the Todo, Saito, and Yokawa districts, typically requires a half to a full day. The time needed depends on how thoroughly you wish to visit each hall, stroll through the connecting paths, and absorb the serene atmosphere. Factor in travel time to and from Mount Hiei.
From Mount Hiei, near Enryaku-ji Temple, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views. To the east, you can overlook Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, often referred to as the 'Tendai Yakushi Pond.' To the west, a breathtaking vista of the ancient capital, Kyoto, unfolds, offering a unique perspective of the cityscape.
To ensure a smooth visit to Enryaku-ji Temple, it's advisable to allocate ample time, as the complex is quite spread out. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential for navigating the paths between the various halls. Utilizing the Ropeway and Cable Car offers convenient access to different parts of Mount Hiei, enhancing the overall experience.
Get Help
