◆ Learn about the history of this momentous temple
◆ Walk the beautiful forest trails once taken by the temple’s warrior monks
◆ Visit the eastern area to see where Tendai monks train daily
◆ Explore the western area where the oldest buildings in the precinct can be found
◆ Tour in tranquility in the peaceful Yokawa area

 

【Itinerary】JR Kyoto Station → (bus) Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei → (bus) JR Kyoto Station

Enryaku-ji Temple has suffered the ravages of war many times, but it is the very source of the history of religion in Japan. Six of the seven major religious orders in Japan were born out of Enryaku-ji. It also served as a conduit to the Roman Church in the West.

The main facilities are as follows.

(1) Nemoto Chudo: This is the central building of Enryaku-ji, from which the term "main hall" was derived. Inside the building, there is a light that has never been extinguished in 1,200 years since the 9th century.

(2) National Treasure Museum: The National Treasure Museum has 10 national treasures including arts and crafts, and more than 50 important cultural properties.

(3) The following six high priests, who founded Buddhism in Japan, studied at Enryaku-ji Temple and left their footprints here.

Saicho founded Enryaku-ji Temple and established the Tendai sect of Buddhism, which included Nikko Rinnoji Temple and Kan-eiji Temple in Ueno.

Eisai founded the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, including Nanzenji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, Tenryuji Temple, and others.

Dogen founded the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, which was worshipped by many warlords, including Eiheiji Temple.

Honen and Shinran founded the Jodo Sect and Jodo Shinshu. It is the sect with the largest number of followers in Japan.

Nichiren founded Nichiren Shoshu, which focused on the interests of the present world and became the mother of the most politically powerful religious organization in Japan.

Meeting Place:
The meeting place for this tour is JR Kyoto Station's Rooftop Sky Garden.

Transportation:
During the summer, we will take a bus to Mt. Hiei, but during the winter months, we can only reach the mountain by train and cable car.

The tour route is as follows:
JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Mt. Hiei Summit → To-do → Lunch → Sai-to → Yokawa → JR Kyoto Station

JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Mt. Hiei Summit → To-do → Lunch → Sai-to → Yokawa → JR Kyoto Station

In the event of cancellation, the following fees will apply:
(1) 3-14 days prior to the program: 20% of the program fee
(2) 2 days prior to the program: 50% of the program fee
(3) One day before the program or on the day*: 100% of the program fee

*In the case of a no-show, a separate remittance fee will also be charged.