Located on Mount Hiei, Enryaku-ji Temple (Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple or Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple) is one of Japan’s most important monasteries and spans three distinct areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa.
The Todo (East Area) is home to the main hall, Konpon Chudo, which is under restoration until 2026 but remains open for visitors. This area is the heart of Enryaku-ji and includes the Amida Hall and the Monjuro Gate. If you only have time for one area, Todo is the most significant. The Todo Area houses the Konpon Chudo, which enshrines the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) statue, believed to be carved by Saicho, the temple’s founder. In front of the Buddha is the eternal flame, which has been burning for over 1,200 years. The hall is under restoration until 2026 but remains open for visitors.
The National Treasure Hall (Museum) is also located in Todo.
The Saito (West Area) is about a 40-minute walk from Todo, known for its more secluded atmosphere. Key buildings here include the Shaka Hall and the Jodoin. The Yokawa Area is the farthest, about a 2-hour hike from the East and West areas, but it can be reached by bus. This area is quieter and features the Yokawa Central Hall.
Enryaku-ji is not a single temple but encompasses the entire Mount Hiei, with over 1,000 temple buildings scattered across the mountain.
Enryakuji Kaikan is a temple lodging located in the Todo area, offering guests a chance to stay overnight and experience the temple’s tranquility.
Winter Transportation Information
In winter (early January to mid-March), transportation to Mount Hiei from the Kyoto side is limited. The Eizan Cable Car, ropeway, and direct buses from Kyoto Station are suspended starting December 9, 2024. However, the Sakamoto Cable Car from the Shiga side continues to operate. Note that the mountain shuttle bus is also suspended, meaning visitors arriving via the Sakamoto Cable can mainly explore the To-do (East Area), as other areas are a significant walking distance away.
Transportation Options:
You can access Mount Hiei from both the Kyoto and Shiga Prefeture sides.
- From Kyoto, take the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizan-guchi, then transfer to the Eizan Cable Car and ropeway.
- From Shiga, use the Sakamoto Cable Car.
From Kyoto, take the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizan-guchi and transfer to the Eizan Cable Car and ropeway. The ropeway reaches Hiei Sancho (Hiei summit), where shuttle buses run to different temple areas:
- Hiei Sancho (Mount Hiei Summit) → To-do (East Area): 6 minutes
- To-do → Bus Center: 1 minute
- Bus Center → Sai-to (West Area): 3 minutes
- Sai-to → Minemichi: 4 minutes
- Minemichi → Yokawa: 6 minutes
*Reverse routes also available.
Hieizan Transport official website
Shuttle bus timetable (Japanese)
Hikers’ Transportation Options:
Hiking map
For those who enjoy hiking, there are several scenic routes to explore Mount Hiei and Enryaku-ji Temple:
- Shugakuin Station → Mount Hiei summit: approx. 160 minutes
- Mount Hiei summit → Todo (East Area): approx. 40 minutes
- Todo (East Area) → Sai-to (West Area): approx. 40 minutes
- Sai-to (West Area) → Yokawa: approx. 120 minutes
- Minemichi → Yokawa: 6 minutes
- Mount Hiei summit to Cable Hiei Station (via Tsutsujigaoka): approx. 55 minutes
- Todo to Sakamoto Hieizan-guchi Station (via Omotesando): approx. 100 minutes
- Cable Enryakuji Station to Matsunobaba Station (via Mudojido): approx. 140 minutes
One-Day Pass Options:
For easy exploration, several one-day pass options are available:
- From Kyoto (Demachiyanagi station): Purchase the Hieizan Free Pass with Enryaku-ji entry ticket.
- From Keihan Line Stations (Kyoto or Osaka): Purchase the Hieizan Enryaku-ji Pilgrimage Pass.
- From Kyoto (Demachiyanagi station) with return via Shiga Prefecture: Purchase the Hieizan Free Pass.
- From Keihan Otsu Line Stations: Purchase the Hieizan Enryaku-ji Pilgrimage Pass.
These passes include transportation (train, cable car, and ropeway) and entry to Enryaku-ji Temple, as well as the internal shuttle bus on Mount Hiei.
Dining:
Restaurants are available at Hiei Summit, To-do (East Area), Enryaku-ji Bus Center, and Minemichi.
- Hiei Sancho (Mount Hiei Summit): Cafe de Paris – Website (Japanese)
- Todo (East Area): Tsurukisoba – Website (Japanese)
- Enryaku-ji Bus Center: Tsurukisoba – Website (Japanese)
- Minemichi Restaurant & Observatory – Website(Japanese)
Lodging at Enryakuji Kaikan
Enryakuji Kaikan is a temple lodging within the To-do (East Area) of Enryaku-ji Temple, offering guests a unique overnight experience on Mount Hiei. Guests staying here enjoy free access to Enryaku-ji’s temple grounds, eliminating the need to purchase an entry pass. The lodging provides a peaceful setting for exploring Enryaku-ji and immersing oneself in the temple’s tranquil surroundings.
Opening Hours (Enryaku-ji Temple Areas):
- To-do (East Area) : Year-round, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sai-to (West Area) & Yokawa Areas:
- January – February: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- March – November: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- December: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Last admission for all areas is at 3:45 pm.
Admission Fees:
- Common Ticket (Todo, Saito, Yokawa):
- Adults: 1,000 yen
- Junior/High School: 600 yen
- Elementary: 300 yen
- National Treasure Hall (Museum):
- Adults: 500 yen
- Junior/High School: 300 yen
- Elementary: 100 yen
All passes exclude access to the National Treasure Hall (Museum), which requires a separate admission fee.
