Enryaku-ji Temple

I think it is worth a visit. There is not much I can say that has not been already said by someone else in these reviews. I went in late November of 2025 on a weekday. No big crowd: Some small groups of tourists, some smaller family groups, and also lone visitors. The ropeway was a nice experience to/from the temple.

Visited in July recently. Reached here from Kyoto station with a train ride, then a bus, a cable car, a ropeway and finally a hike. It may sound overwhelming but journey itself is worth it and the destination is as good as Koyozumi-dera. The accessibility is definitely why there are not many tourists here This temple grounds is quite big. Unfortunately during our visit the main hall was under renovation. May just visit again if ever in Kyoto again.

We walked about 10 minutes from the cable car station to the temple. It was a clear and crisp day which made the short stroll really enjoyable. There is a loop bus that goes to the Heizan-Sakamoto JR station.

Not to be rushed, time spent here should be in quiet contemplation walking the rather extensive grounds. Not as well conserved as places in Kyoto or Nikko, and felt rather commercial at times but a must see if you’re spending time in Shiga.

The shrine is remarkable and worth visiting; it remains less crowded even during peak times.

Visited this place during public holiday in September, 2025. One of the historical building/temple was undergoing restoration. Overall, had good experience visiting and witnessing Japans historical place.

Truly an incredible experience to hike to Enryaku-Ji from the summit of Mount Hiei. The entire journey takes 1.5-2 hours and is highly recommended. (I HAVE ATTACHED A MAP OF HOW TO GET TO THE SAKAMOTO LINE CABLE CAR STATION FROM ENRYAKU-JI TEMPLE!)

From religious point of view: very important place and definitely worth it of you are interested in Japanese branch pf Buddhism and Japanese history and culture in general. General tourist point of view: there is really nothing special about it that would justify the entrance fee of 1000¥ + the cable or ropeway if you decide to take it for 1800¥ roundway. Any smaller temple in nature is just as beautiful. It really depends on what kind of tourist you are.

This temple was founded by Saicho, and I learned this religious sect called Tendaishu has strict disciple compared with other Buddhist temples. My mother's parental house believed True Pure Land sect called Jodo-Shinshu. At the memorial service of my grandma, Buddhist priest said to me trainee monks of Tendaishu can eat only one meal a day. But its vegetarian diet was so delicious and nutritious that it satisfied their bellies. By the way the Buddhist monk of our religious sect ate fish and meat to his heart content, even drank beer!! Their sect was not so strict and allowed them to do so. I am sure that each sect has each mind. Therefore if I became a nun, I would choose True Pure Land sect. Sorry, back to the main topic, Enryakuji temple is located in the Mt. Hiei, the border of Kyoto and Shiga. I have long been skeptical whether its address is in Shiga or in Kyoto. Correctly in Shiga. We can see the panorama of Kyoto city and Lake Biwa. It is inconvenient if you don't come here by car. If you come here to use public transportation, you may get on a cable car or bus. The easiest way to arrive here is to get on a bus at JR Kyoto station, Keihan Sanjyo or Demachiyanagi station. You need not change transportation. It is also a famous spot for hikers. However it seems to be dangerous if a young lady hikes the mountain alone. In the past some miserable accidents happened. It boasts vast ground with about 150 halls, where I couldn't see the whole temple in a day. In the battleship period there were more than 3000 temples. But do you know this temple was set fired by Nobunaga Oda, and Buddhist halls were burnt down to ashes? Terrible incident!! Later it was restored with the support of other warriors such as Hideyoshi Toyotomi or relatives of Tokugawa family. Now it was designated as world heritage. I enjoyed not only its scenic beauty but also historical valuables. Note: Every year night worshipping was held during summer season, but this year it is regrettably not held. The illuminated lit up in the mountain was a taste for summer and must for sightseers.