What other travelers are saying about Enryaku-ji Temple (Mount Hiei)
Hidden gem of a temple at the top of Mt Hiei. Very historic temple at the top with many Japanese locals visiting. Also a great view of Lake Biwa and the surrounding towns. To get to the temple, take the Sakamoto cable car up (Japan's longest cable car!)
I went here after exploring Hiei Garden Museum. It rained so hard while I was riding the bus going to this temple, so I decided to buy souvenirs first. After the weather calmed down, I started touring around the temple. There is an admission fee of ¥1,000 to enter Enryaku-ji.
There is a lot to see here, plus they also have shops, restaurants, a museum, and they also have a hotel inside the temple grounds.
By the way, there is also an ongoing stamp rally here and if you collect 8 or 12 stamps, you can redeem it for cool prizes. Check their website for information and future events around the area.
You can reach Enryaku-ji either by car, bus, or cable car (Sakamoto Cable). The temple is also majical during rainy days, however if you don't want a hassle trip, then I suggest checking if the weather is good.
The main hall is still in maintenance. You can get in but it hasn't much charm (and you cannot take pictures).
Still, I would definitely recommend the hike and enjoy the place as a whole :).
The surrounding temples of the temple complex are beautiful and it is a great hike from the first cable car (not taking the rope way) of about an hour if you take your time. Unfortunately, the main temple is under construction and there is absolutely nothing to see there. The other temples were wonderful though and made up for the hike.
Located in Hieizan, one of the most sacred mountains in Japan. This temple is very significant especially in the history of Japan.
Main hall is under renovation but visitors can still enter. I am in awe how structures from its founding in 788 are still present, and how they try to preserve the originalsl structures and artifacts.
Visited during autumn of 2023 and the surrounding nature scenery was really beautiful.