Mount Hiei on Postcard

"Mount Hiei, at the northwest edge of Kyoto, is home to one of Japan’s largest temple complexes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 788 C.E. by the monk Saicho, who is also credited as founder of the Tendai school of Buddhism. Over time, the entire top of the mountain became covered with temples, and the resident monks were far from meek and humble: They would raid Kyoto, battling imperial forces to ensure their religious rights. You can easily spend all day wandering the monastic buildings; just make sure not to miss the Enryakuji, the main temple, which has an incense smell not to be matched anywhere, and the sense that the temple itself is humming mantras. Hike up the mountain or take the cable car, but anticipate that once there, you’ll want to stay a while."

The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

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ita40200

Google

I feel really bad about not climbing it on foot because of time limit and heat. Still, amazing experience to go up with the cable car and train, maybe a bit expensive for such a short ride but it's part of the thing. Very easy to walk from the first stop to the second so if you have time - do it cause it will be you and nature alone.

Bryan EUW

Google

It is a beautiful place, even though I went on a day where it was cloudy and i had absolutely no view. It is still a very refreshing change from the city of Kyoto, and so closeby! Because it was such a rainy day there was absolutely nobody to be seen, maybe because I ignored the sign to not take the path while it rains! Haha (Only slipt once) Please listen to the signs, i was wearing 40.000yen climbing shoes but it is full of rocks, pebbles and mud that make it incredibly slippery and painful to fall. I got lucky enough to see some deer hopping through the forest on my way to the temple.

Berk

Google

A relatively high mountain with 848 meters of elevation. Taking the cable car to the top which has historical significance is an experience in itself. Clearly marked and easy trails for hiking even for beginners. You can buy a ticket for 1000 yen on the mountain if you follow the main Kyoto trail, which gives you access to all of the temples and shrines on Mt. Hiei. They are absolutely worth seeing. Bear sighting in August 2023, I recommend wearing a bell like most hikers do out here that supposedly scares bears away or keeping a bear spray with you if you’re planning a long hike on the wilder trails.

Maxim Hamley (eggsbacon)

Google

This is one of my favourite places on the planet. ABSOLUTELY worth the day trip from either Kyoto or Otsu. If you're capable too, this was one of the best hikes of my life. Just make sure you go early so the sun doesn't set when you're up there.

ajleeblog

Google

Mount Hiei, situated near Kyoto and Shiga in Japan, is a majestic mountain renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance. Home to the Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The challenging hiking trails reward adventurers with serene landscapes and historical treasures. The mountain's religious history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for those seeking a blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure. Whether exploring ancient temples or enjoying the scenic trails, Mount Hiei provides a memorable experience at the intersection of nature and spirituality.

Sathish S

Google

MUST visit if you are in Kyoto. The ropeway and cable car ride is absolutely beautiful. There was barely anyone there on a weekday ~16:00. Keep in mind, the last cable ride back from the top is at 18:00.

K Chuck

Google

For me, this mountain is too ordinary. The cable car ride was a bad experience as it was very crowded like a bus ride. The cable car is designed like this, which is very strange. I think the cable car should be for two, four, or even six people to ride together, rather than dozens of people crowded together to ride the cable car... The scenery on the mountain is also very ordinary. In short, I think there is no need to make a special trip here... The cable car here is charged separately, the garden on the top of the mountain is also charged separately, the bus operate on the top of mountain also need to extra pay.

E Dixon

Google

Absolutely beautiful!! We took the cable car and rope car up, went to the summit, walked round to a beautiful temple through the woods, and then walked half way down and took the cable car back to the bottom. A wonderful day out in Japanese nature, very good for the soul 🥰

ita40200

Google

I feel really bad about not climbing it on foot because of time limit and heat. Still, amazing experience to go up with the cable car and train, maybe a bit expensive for such a short ride but it's part of the thing. Very easy to walk from the first stop to the second so if you have time - do it cause it will be you and nature alone.

Bryan EUW

Google

It is a beautiful place, even though I went on a day where it was cloudy and i had absolutely no view. It is still a very refreshing change from the city of Kyoto, and so closeby! Because it was such a rainy day there was absolutely nobody to be seen, maybe because I ignored the sign to not take the path while it rains! Haha (Only slipt once) Please listen to the signs, i was wearing 40.000yen climbing shoes but it is full of rocks, pebbles and mud that make it incredibly slippery and painful to fall. I got lucky enough to see some deer hopping through the forest on my way to the temple.

Berk

Google

A relatively high mountain with 848 meters of elevation. Taking the cable car to the top which has historical significance is an experience in itself. Clearly marked and easy trails for hiking even for beginners. You can buy a ticket for 1000 yen on the mountain if you follow the main Kyoto trail, which gives you access to all of the temples and shrines on Mt. Hiei. They are absolutely worth seeing. Bear sighting in August 2023, I recommend wearing a bell like most hikers do out here that supposedly scares bears away or keeping a bear spray with you if you’re planning a long hike on the wilder trails.

Maxim Hamley (eggsbacon)

Google

This is one of my favourite places on the planet. ABSOLUTELY worth the day trip from either Kyoto or Otsu. If you're capable too, this was one of the best hikes of my life. Just make sure you go early so the sun doesn't set when you're up there.

ajleeblog

Google

Mount Hiei, situated near Kyoto and Shiga in Japan, is a majestic mountain renowned for its cultural and spiritual significance. Home to the Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The challenging hiking trails reward adventurers with serene landscapes and historical treasures. The mountain's religious history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for those seeking a blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure. Whether exploring ancient temples or enjoying the scenic trails, Mount Hiei provides a memorable experience at the intersection of nature and spirituality.

Sathish S

Google

MUST visit if you are in Kyoto. The ropeway and cable car ride is absolutely beautiful. There was barely anyone there on a weekday ~16:00. Keep in mind, the last cable ride back from the top is at 18:00.

K Chuck

Google

For me, this mountain is too ordinary. The cable car ride was a bad experience as it was very crowded like a bus ride. The cable car is designed like this, which is very strange. I think the cable car should be for two, four, or even six people to ride together, rather than dozens of people crowded together to ride the cable car... The scenery on the mountain is also very ordinary. In short, I think there is no need to make a special trip here... The cable car here is charged separately, the garden on the top of the mountain is also charged separately, the bus operate on the top of mountain also need to extra pay.

E Dixon

Google

Absolutely beautiful!! We took the cable car and rope car up, went to the summit, walked round to a beautiful temple through the woods, and then walked half way down and took the cable car back to the bottom. A wonderful day out in Japanese nature, very good for the soul 🥰

Mount Hiei

Mount Hiei

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Highlights

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