Question 1

How do I get to Enryakuji on Mount Hiei?

Accepted Answer

By public transport, the convenient route is the Hieizan Sakamoto Cable from Hieizan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line. From Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station it is about 20 minutes' walk to the cable car station. From the Kyoto side you can also use the Eizan Railway and ropeway or the Hieizan Driveway.

Question 2

Can I try zazen or sutra copying?

Accepted Answer

Zazen, sutra copying and other practices are offered at the Enryakuji Kaikan. They are sometimes suspended or require advance booking, so please check the official website for the latest information.

Question 3

When are the autumn colours at their best?

Accepted Answer

At 848 m, the colours turn about a month earlier than in central Kyoto, usually from mid-October to early November. The halls and pagodas among the autumn leaves, with Lake Biwa spreading out behind, make a superb scene.

Question 4

Can I stay at the Enryakuji Kaikan?

Accepted Answer

The Enryakuji Kaikan takes overnight guests as a temple lodging, where you can also try vegetarian temple cuisine and the morning service. Please contact the Enryakuji Kaikan directly (official website) for details and bookings.

Question 5

How long does it take to visit all three pagoda areas?

Accepted Answer

Visiting all three areas can take half a day to a full day. The Todo area, where most of the highlights are concentrated, takes about two hours on its own. Shuttle buses run between the areas. The Konpon Chudo is under major repair, but the hall interior can still be visited.

Question 6

How much is the pilgrimage fee?

Accepted Answer

The combined fee for the Todo, Saito and Yokawa areas is 1,000 yen for adults, 600 yen for junior and senior high school students and 300 yen for elementary school students. Tickets for individual areas can also be bought. The Kokuhoden treasure hall requires a separate fee.

Question 7

What is the connection between Enryakuji and monks such as Nichiren, Shinran and Honen?

Accepted Answer

Enryakuji on Mount Hiei is known as the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism. Many eminent monks who later founded their own schools — Honen, Shinran, Dogen, Nichiren and Ippen among them — trained here. Statues of the founders of the various schools stand in the Daikodo hall.

Question 8

When was it listed as World Cultural Heritage?

Accepted Answer

It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Question 9

Can I visit the Konpon Chudo during the major repairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Konpon Chudo is undergoing major repairs from 2016 to 2030, but the interior can still be visited, and site tours showing the repair work are sometimes held.

Question 10

What is the Eternal Light?

Accepted Answer

It is the flame that has burned before the principal image, the Yakushi Nyorai, in the inner sanctuary of the Konpon Chudo for more than 1,200 years, since Saicho founded the temple. Keeping it alight has become the symbol of Enryakuji.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are car parks in the Todo, Saito and Yokawa areas. Using the Hieizan Driveway involves a separate toll. Combining the cable car and buses is also recommended.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Take the Hieizan Sakamoto Cable from JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station. From Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station it is about 20 minutes' walk to the cable car station. By car, about 30 minutes from Kyoto-Higashi IC on the Meishin Expressway via the Hieizan Driveway.

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

4220 Sakamoto Hon-machi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Question 14

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round (access to some facilities is restricted).

Question 15

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 16

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Pilgrimage fee: adults 1,000 yen, junior and senior high school students 600 yen, elementary school students 300 yen (a combined ticket for all areas).

Question 17

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

They vary by season (generally 9:00-16:00, extended in summer).

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