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Offered languages
- English
Explore the historic town of Sakamoto at the foot of Mount Hiei, where faith and craftsmanship intertwine through centuries of tradition. This three-hour guided walking tour unveils the rich cultural landscape shaped by the Anō masons and the temple town of Enryaku-ji. Visit the Former Chikurin-in to admire serene gardens, then discover the Hiyoshi Taisha shrine, featuring unique Sannō torii gates and symbolic guardians. At Shigain Monzeki, learn about the residences of retired monks, and feel the devotion at Jigen-dō. This immersive experience showcases the inseparable bond between spirituality and daily life in Sakamoto.
- Three-hour guided walking tour through Sakamoto's sacred sites
- Visit the Former Chikurin-in and Hiyoshi Taisha shrine
- Learn about the Anō masons and unique sato-bō system
- Experience the living culture of faith, craftsmanship, and history
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet in front of the Sakamoto Tourist Information Center. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.
From the ending point, you can access nearby train stations by bus or on foot, and it is also close to the cable car station for Mount Hiei.
Itinerary
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1
Once a retreat for monks of Enryaku-ji, the Former Chikurin-in offers a glimpse into the refined culture of temple life in Sakamoto. Its elegant tatami rooms open onto a traditional strolling garden designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Here visitors can sense how faith, architecture, and nature blended seamlessly in the daily lives of Buddhist priests at the foot of Mount Hiei.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2
Hiyoshi Taisha is the grand guardian shrine of Mount Hiei and the spiritual heart of Sakamoto. Famous for its unique Sannō torii gate and the presence of sacred monkeys known as “masaru,” the shrine reflects the syncretic beliefs of Shinto and Buddhism. Walking from the West Hall to the East Hall, visitors experience a sacred atmosphere that has protected the town and Enryaku-ji Temple for centuries.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
Shigain Monzeki, historically linked to the head priests of the Tendai sect, is one of the most prestigious temples in Sakamoto. It also preserves the system of sato-bō—residences for monks who had retired from Enryaku-ji—which shaped the town’s distinctive character as a religious community. Inside, the refined architecture and quiet gardens reveal the deep connection between faith, governance, and daily life.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4
Jigen-dō is a sacred hall dedicated to Saichō (Dengyō Daishi), the founder of the Tendai school. This site embodies the spiritual foundation of Enryaku-ji and the continuing devotion that defines Sakamoto. Visitors can sense the living tradition of faith that has endured for over a millennium, while also appreciating the town’s role as both a religious and cultural crossroads at the base of Mount Hiei.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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