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Offered languages
- English
This Kyoto-based tour offers a meaningful escape from the city, guiding you into the spiritual landscape that has quietly supported Kyoto for more than a thousand years. Traveling to the sacred mountains of Mt. Hiei, you experience an area where religion, nature, and everyday life have long existed in harmony, shaping the cultural foundation of the ancient capital.
Rather than focusing on famous sights alone, this journey emphasizes atmosphere, balance, and connection. Moving between mountain temples, shrine forests, and a historic townscape, the tour unfolds at a relaxed pace that encourages reflection and discovery. Easily accessible from Kyoto yet rich in depth, it is ideal for travelers seeking cultural insight, spiritual calm, and a more authentic experience of Japan beyond the usual tourist routes.
This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby with your name sign.
Please inform about your pick up details in advance.
Itinerary
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1Kyoto Station Building
You will take a train to Sakamoto.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
Sakamoto is a historic temple town located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, near Lake Biwa. For centuries, it flourished as the gateway to Enryaku-ji Temple and the home of the Anō-shū, master stonemasons famous for their distinctive dry-stone walls. Walking through Sakamoto, visitors can enjoy quiet streets lined with traditional houses, beautifully preserved stone walls, and serene temple gardens. The town offers a peaceful atmosphere that reflects its deep connection to Japanese Buddhism, craftsmanship, and history, making it an ideal place to experience the timeless charm of rural Japan just outside Kyoto.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Enryakuji Temple Amida Do
Enryaku-ji Amida-do is a quiet and deeply spiritual hall within the Enryaku-ji temple complex on Mt. Hiei. Dedicated to Amida Buddha, it is a place for prayer, reflection, and peaceful contemplation away from the more visited areas of the mountain. Surrounded by forest and serene mountain air, Amida-do offers visitors a chance to experience the calm and introspective side of Mt. Hiei. Its simple architecture and tranquil setting reflect the essence of Tendai Buddhism and make it a meaningful stop for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection during their visit to Enryaku-ji.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
4Hiyoshi Taisha
Hiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, located at the eastern foot of Mt. Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. It serves as the head shrine of over 3,800 Hiyoshi shrines across Japan and has long been closely connected with Enryaku-ji and Tendai Buddhism. The shrine is famous for its unique guardian monkey statues, considered messengers of the gods, and its beautifully landscaped grounds that change with the seasons. Walking through Hiyoshi Taisha, visitors can experience a harmonious blend of Shinto tradition, mountain worship, and a calm, sacred atmosphere that has protected Kyoto from the northeast for centuries.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5Kyu Chikurinin Garden
Kyu Chikurinin Garden is a beautifully preserved traditional Japanese garden located in the historic town of Sakamoto at the foot of Mt. Hiei. Once part of a temple residence, the garden reflects the refined aesthetics of the Edo period and offers a peaceful retreat from the nearby streets. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the garden features moss-covered stones, carefully placed stepping paths, and scenic views toward Mt. Hiei. With its quiet atmosphere and elegant simplicity, Kyu Chikurinin Garden allows visitors to experience the timeless beauty of Japanese garden design and the serene spirit of Sakamoto. This garden closes every Mondays, so we go to different spots if you book this tour on Monday.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6Kyoto Station Building
You will return to Kyoto Station.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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