Kyoto: UNESCO Enryakuji Temple & Mount Hiei Tour

5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Kyoto: UNESCO Enryakuji Temple & Mount Hiei Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This is the only guided tour that takes you through all three sacred areas of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei—Tōtō, Saitō, and Yokokawa.

With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore historic halls, ride shuttle buses between precincts, and experience the full spiritual journey of Japanese Tendai Buddhism.

From the eternal flame of Konpon Chūdō to the forest serenity of Yokokawa, this tour offers a deeply immersive, one-of-a-kind pilgrimage experience just outside Kyoto.

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Trolley Tours

At a glance

Duration: 5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: DeepExperience

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 5-hour guided tour
Included: A one-of-a-kind journey through all three sacred realms of Mount Hiei
Included: Live tour guide
Included: Shuttle service between areas
Included: Cable car ride

Not included

Not included: Meals

Itinerary

Komponchudo

45 min Admission included

The sacred heart of Enryakuji, housing the eternal flame that has burned for over 1,200 years. This massive hall radiates timeless reverence and spiritual continuity.
Enryaku-ji Daikodo

45 min Admission included

Once used for monastic learning, it symbolizes the tradition of Buddhist scholarship passed down through generations.
Enryakuji Temple Amida Do

15 min Admission included

A tranquil hall dedicated to Amida Buddha, embodying compassion and hope for rebirth in the Pure Land.
Stop 4

20 min Admission included

A solemn site for receiving Buddhist precepts. It marks the transition from layperson to monk, and signifies moral discipline.
Stop 5

20 min Admission included

A solemn site for receiving Buddhist precepts. It marks the transition from layperson to monk, and signifies moral discipline.
Jogyodo and Hokkedo (Ninaido)

20 min Admission included

A symbolic structure consisting of two connected halls: Jōgyō-dō for walking meditation and Hokke-dō for reciting the Lotus Sutra. Legend says Benkei carried them on his shoulders—hence “Ninai.”
Stop 7

30 min Admission included

The oldest original hall on Mount Hiei, dedicated to the historical Buddha. Surrounded by mossy stones and tall trees, it offers an atmosphere of deep serenity.
Enryaku-ji Yokawachudo

30 min Admission included

A striking elevated structure nestled in deep forest, designed for contemplation and prayer. Its solemn beauty makes it one of the most spiritually charged sites on the mountain.
Ganzandaishi-do

30 min Admission included

A modest yet poetic hall named for its ever-changing surroundings. It quietly embodies the Buddhist principle of impermanence.
Stop 10

15 min Admission included

Dedicated to the revered priest Genshin (Eshin Sōzu), a Pure Land master who profoundly shaped Japanese Buddhist thought. A humble structure filled with devotion.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meeting Point: Cable Sakamoto Station

Your guide will be waiting for you, holding a yellow sign that says "DeepExperience."

Please refer to the map for further details.

End point

Meeting Point: Cable Sakamoto Station

Your guide will be waiting for you, holding a yellow sign that says "DeepExperience."

Please refer to the map for further details.