Items | Sacred Peak and Scenic View Hieizan Enryaku ji and Hiyoshi Shrine
Sacred Peak and Scenic View Hieizan Enryaku ji and Hiyoshi Shrine
(3) Reviews
Higashishiokōjichō
Important Information
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Embark on a journey through the spiritual and scenic wonders of Kyoto. This tour takes you to the historic Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, up the breathtaking cable cars of Mount Hiei, and through the legendary Enryakuji Temple, the birthplace of Tendai Buddhism. Enjoy panoramic views, serene mountain trails, and a deep dive into the Zen traditions that have shaped Japan’s spiritual landscape.
Highlights
7 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
7 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Transportation during the tour
English speaking guide
Entry fees at all tour locations
Lunch
Meeting Points
Departure
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Tower Sando
Starbucks Coffee — Kyoto Tower Sando (just outside Kyoto Tower)
Exit Kyoto Station via the Central Exit on the north side of the station.
The Starbucks is on the first floor of the Kyoto Tower Sando commercial building.
We’ll be waiting there with a “Snow Monkey Resorts” sign.
Return
Sacred Peak and Scenic View Hieizan Enryaku ji and Hiyoshi Shrine
(3) Reviews
Higashishiokōjichō
About
Embark on a journey through the spiritual and scenic wonders of Kyoto. This tour takes you to the historic Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, up the breathtaking cable cars of Mount Hiei, and through the legendary Enryakuji Temple, the birthplace of Tendai Buddhism. Enjoy panoramic views, serene mountain trails, and a deep dive into the Zen traditions that have shaped Japan’s spiritual landscape.
Highlights
7 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
7 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Transportation during the tour
English speaking guide
Entry fees at all tour locations
Lunch
Meeting Points
Departure
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Tower Sando
Starbucks Coffee — Kyoto Tower Sando (just outside Kyoto Tower)
Exit Kyoto Station via the Central Exit on the north side of the station.
The Starbucks is on the first floor of the Kyoto Tower Sando commercial building.
We’ll be waiting there with a “Snow Monkey Resorts” sign.
Return
Itinerary
1
Hiyoshi Taisha
Your journey begins at Kyoto Station, where we board a scenic train ride to the base of Mount Hiei. As we leave the city behind, lush landscapes and distant mountain peaks come into view, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Upon arrival, we step into the peaceful grounds of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, an important spiritual site deeply intertwined with both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, this shrine is a sanctuary of tranquility. We will explore the impressive shrine buildings, learn about Kogane no Oiwa, a sacred rock formation, and discuss the shrine’s role in protecting Kyoto. For those up for a challenge, we embark on a steep 30-minute hike to Ushio-gu Shrine and Sanno-miya Shrine, perched on a cliffside with a breathtaking view of Lake Biwa. This hike is short but intense, featuring uneven ground and a demanding incline—a true leg burner! The descent takes about 20 minutes.
4 hours
2
Mount Hiei
After a short walk, we board the Sakamoto Cable Car, Japan’s longest cable car ride. As we ascend the mountainside, stunning views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, unfold beneath us. The ride offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes, making for a truly breathtaking experience. Reaching the top, we begin our exploration of the legendary Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the honzan (head temple) of Tendai Buddhism. Founded by the monk Saichō in the 8th century, this temple played a significant role in shaping Japan’s religious traditions. We will visit the Konpon Chudo, the temple’s grand hall, as well as Shaka-do and Amida-do, where centuries-old rituals still take place. We’ll discuss the temple’s tumultuous history, including its destruction by Oda Nobunaga during the 16th century.
We begin our descent via cable car, taking in one last panoramic view of the valley below before returning to the base of the mountain.