Enryakuji Temple

Religious spot

★ 4.9 (7K+ reviews) • 55K+ booked

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich history of Enryakuji Temple Otsu, a place where prayers for world peace are offered. Known as the 'mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism,' this sacred site on Mt. Hiei has been a center of learning and training for centuries, attracting talented individuals from all over. With its stunning natural surroundings overlooking Lake Biwa and Kyoto, Enryakuji Temple is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its 1,200 years of tradition and spirituality.

4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116, Japan

Overview

Things to do

Hotels

4.9 /5

7K+ reviews

Read all reviews

Chan **********

29 Jun

Tour guide Andy’s explanation of each attraction was very interesting, allowing me to learn more besides just seeing the attractions.

Namrata ******

27 Jun

Although there was no guide on that day . we still agreed to do this trip.Our chinese driver took a great care of us. My husband could under little lit chinese so it was fine and other people in our van also explained well to us. we had greattt time. although it was raining but all the places were soooo beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to our eyes. i would love. to go back again and spend a day in these places.

Lai *******

27 Jun

Great trip!! The tour guide was Xiaoyu, a very energetic, cute and attentive girl. It rained heavily that morning and Xiaoyu negotiated with us to slightly change the order of the trip. Fortunately, it stopped raining when we got to Lake Biwa. Lake Biwa is beautiful. Mom and Dad were also very satisfied! Thank you very much~

Klook User

27 Jun

great experience. staff is wonderful!

Sarah *****

24 Jun

My family and I really enjoyed our experience at Yamabana. Everyone from the servers to the host were extremely kind, thoughtful and made our experience enjoyable. The view of the Kamogawa river was very relaxing. We ordered the Unagi, Tempura, and Imperial lunch menu set. Everything was delicious. Their tofu puff dessert was tasty too.

Klook 用戶

24 Jun

The tour guide CC~sleeps on the bus~takes photos when he gets off the bus~. He is quite considerate to those who need to rest after a self-guided tour!

Klook用戶

21 Jun

The trip is very fulfilling, the scenery is very suitable for photography, super good looking!

Klook User

16 Jun

I thought this would be a fun experience to do with my 18 year old son. He loved it and so did I! The instructors were fun, engaging and thorough in explaining how to mold these steel stars into fierce and sharp little works of art. The forge was magical with the bright sparks in the darkened room. From stamping the kanji to the little wooden boxes, it was so much fun. This was one of our highlights of an incredible trip to Japan.

Biwako Valley

9K+ visitors

Chion-in Temple

447K+ visitors

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street Union

499K+ visitors

399K+ visitors

343K+ visitors

402K+ visitors

474K+ visitors

441K+ visitors

476K+ visitors

495K+ visitors

What are the best times to visit Enryakuji Temple?

How can I reach Mount Hiei and Enryakuji Temple?

What is the admission fee for Enryakuji Temple?

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Main Hall (Kon-do)

The Main Hall, classified as a National Treasure, dates back to 1599 and houses numerous Buddha statues. Its cypress bark roof adds to its architectural charm.

Niomon Gate

The Niomon Gate, rebuilt in 1452, serves as the guardian gate of Miidera Temple and offers a grand entrance to the complex.

Art Museum

Explore the modern art museum within the temple grounds, showcasing works by the renowned Kano school of artists, including pieces from 1600.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Enryakuji Temple is steeped in cultural and historical significance, serving as a hub for Japanese Buddhism and a training ground for generations of high priests. Discover the ancient traditions and rituals that have shaped this sacred mountain over the centuries.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Shiga Prefecture with popular local dishes near Enryakuji Temple. From fresh seafood from Lake Biwa to traditional Japanese cuisine, savor the unique culinary delights of the region during your visit.

Enryakuji Temple