Hieizan Enryakuji Temple & Omihachiman & Ishidera Kyorinbo Temple Autumn Leaves Viewing & Illumination Day Trip (Osaka/Kyoto Departure)

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of ancient temples and the picturesque charm of waterfront scenery. Enjoy the enchanting illuminated views of the Stone Temple of Kyourinbo at night, and experience the unique allure of Mount Hiei and Hachimanbori.

• Nestled among majestic mountains, Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple has stood serenely for over a thousand years. As the birthplace of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism, this temple, founded by the Great Teacher Saicho in 788 AD, has been a sacred place for monks to practice asceticism and is revered as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism." The temple is spread across 1,700 hectares of vast mountain forest and consists of three areas: Todo (East Pagoda), Saito (West Pagoda), and Yokawa. The core of the Todo area, Konpon Chudo Hall, enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) crafted by the Great Teacher Saicho himself, along with an inextinguishable lamp. Its faint light, which has been burning for a thousand years, speaks of the power of faith and tradition. As you stroll towards Amidado Hall, the clear sound of the Suikinkutsu (water chime cave) seems to wash away the hustle and bustle of the world, leaving only inner peace.
• Descending from Mount Hiei, Hachimanbori in Omihachiman is like a flowing historical scroll. Built in the late 16th century by the Toyotomi family, the moat not only protected the castle but also connected to Lake Biwa, becoming an important water transportation hub to Osaka, Tokyo, and other places. Omi merchants from the Edo period set sail from here, bringing back wealth and culture, and leaving behind spacious and elegant Japanese-style residences. The white-walled warehouses along the shore and the slowly moving boats make you feel as if you have traveled back to ancient times. It is no wonder that classic period dramas such as "Rurouni Kenshin" and "Mito Komon" were filmed here, leaving behind many moving scenes.
• As night falls, the Stone Temple - Kyourinbo - presents another mystical beauty illuminated by lights. Founded in 605 AD, this ancient temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku. The garden was created by the famous craftsman Kobori Enshu, and the giant rocks, moss, and autumn leaves complement each other, telling the deep meaning of time. During the nighttime light-up, the maple leaves burn with warm colors under the warm light, which complements the quiet study and moss-covered stone steps, creating an atmosphere like a paradise. Being in it, you can forget all the dust and noise, leaving only the whisper of the heart and nature.
• This day, from the thousand-year faith of the Buddhist sacred mountain to the historical atmosphere of the water town and the beauty of the ancient temple in the night, the journey is like a gradually unfolding picture, taking you through time and immersing you in the tranquility and profundity of Japan.