Enryakuji Temple
Enryakuji Temple（延暦寺）, a World Heritage Site, is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.It is located on the summit of Mount Hiei, which rises between Kyoto and Shiga.In 785, Saicho built the Ichijokan-in.
It was designated as a place of protection for the Imperial Castle because of its location in “Kimon”（The northeast, the direction from which demons come and go.） when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo.
The Enryakuji Temple precincts are divided into three main areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa.In Todo are the Kompon Chudo (National Treasure), the main hall of Enryakuji, the Amida Hall, and other buildings.In Saito is the oldest building Shakado.In Yokawa is the 18th temple of the New Saigoku Sacred Sites.Kompon Chudo is home to the main statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the hidden Buddha) and an “immortal Dharma lamp” that has been lit for 1,200 years.
For directions to Enryakuji Temple, please visit the Hieizan-Biwako Tourist Information website.
Enryakuji Temple Map
| opening hours | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.※SAITO and YOKAWA area from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (9:30 am to 4:00 pm in January, February and December) |
| regular closing day | without a holiday |
| entrance fee | Adults 1000 yen, Junior and senior high school students 700 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen※National Treasure Hall: Adults 500 yen, Junior and senior high school students 300 yen, Elementary school students 100 yen※There is a common ticket |
| bus stop | Kyoto Bus / Keihan Bus Enryakuji Bus Center Bus Stop※Todo bus stop nearby. |
| station | Eizan Yase Hieizankuchi Station※Get off at Yase-Hieizankuchi Station → Eizan Cable → Eizan Ropeway → Shuttle bus and transfer required (approx. 20 minutes)※Cable car, ropeway and shuttle bus are closed in winter Keihan Sakamoto Station※Get off at Sakamoto Station → Ewaka Bus (approx. 4 min.) → Sakamoto Cable and transfer required JR Hieizan Sakamoto Station※Hieizan Sakamoto Station → Ewaka Bus (approx. 7 min.) → Sakamoto Cable and connection required |
| parking lot | Parking available（free）※Access by car using toll roads※Winter tires and chains should be installed during snowfall in the winter period. |
| official site | Enryakuji Temple |
Enryakuji Temple around
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distance in a straight line : about 3828m
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distance in a straight line : about 4238m
distance in a straight line : about 4536m
distance in a straight line : about 4917m