Kyoto: Discover Mount Hiei’s Three Sacred Precincts

5 hours (approximately)
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

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.

What's Included

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

Meeting and pickup

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
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

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

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

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

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

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

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

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

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    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.”

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 8

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 9

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

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 10

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

    15 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by DeepExperience

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Trolley Tours
Religious Tours
Cable Car Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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