(Highlights)
More than 1,200 years have passed since the Reverend Dengyo-daishi Saicho settled in Mt. Hieizan. It is called the Mother Mountain of the Japanese Buddhist world, since it trained and gave birth to many noted priests like Honen, Eisai, Shinran, Dogen and Nichiren. Hieizan Enryaku-ji-Temple, registered in the World Cultural Heritage Sites list, consists of many magnificent buildings and lies on the top of Mt.Hiei which is some 800 meters high above the sea level. The temple precincts are made up of three districts: Toto (East district), Seito (West district) and Yokogawa district. The area is so wide and slopes are so steep that you have to be dressed in clothes for a mountain climbing and be ready for a hard physical exercise. However, once you are in the temple enclosure, you will be amazed at the dozens of magnificent buildings built with exquisite techniques.
(How to enjoy)
You can see the beautiful scenery from a cable car as it goes up the mountain. After reaching the temple area, enjoy having a look at the splendid structures and strolling on the paths. Especially at Konponchudo hall, you can immerse yourself in the mythical world of Buddhism. It is difficult to explain what the temple is all about in its entirety in this column; just visit and see.
(Others)
The JR train fare from Kyoto to Otsu is 240 yen and the Keihan Railway train fare from Hama-Otsu to Sakamoto is 240 yen. You have to walk about one kilometer from JR Otsu station to Keihan Railway Hama-Otsu station. The cable-car charge is 860 yen for one-way, 11-minute ride and the temple entrance fee is 700 yen.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Kyoto station
Kompomchudo hall
Shakado hall
Ending Point
At Kyoto station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transpotation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Toya W.
“Awesome Tour Guide ”
Tatshurio was AWESOME! He is a just a nice person with a considerate heart. He is very knowledgeable and understood the assignment. He was very flexible and allow the entire group to enjoy the location, scene, and sights. I definitely recommend Mr. Tatsuhiro. He is awesome.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Toya-san, Thank you very much for giving me such a high grade. It inspires me to do a better job for my clients from now on. I am glad you had a first look at various articles and food while you made the tour. I am proud of myself for being able to help you come closer to our culture and society. Wish you all an even greater health. Regards, Hiro
Pedro C.
“Personalized and Detailed Tour Experience at Osaka Castle with Hiro-San!”
We visited Osaka Castle with Hiro-San as our guide and appreciated his thorough knowledge of the site’s history. He provided detailed explanations about the castle’s past, including its role in political power struggles, its reconstruction, and the architectural features that have been preserved over the centuries. Hiro-San was also attentive to our needs, adjusting the tour based on our interests and pace. He was flexible and willing to accommodate our requests, which made the experience more comfortable and tailored to what we were hoping to get out of the visit. If you’re looking for a more in-depth and personalized experience of Osaka Castle, especially one that highlights the historical and cultural significance of the site, Hiro-San is your guide.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Pedro-san, Thank you very much for giving me such a high mark with a compliment. I am just happy we were able to finish the tour without any problem. I will try to further brush up my knowledge on the place so that I can serve my clients better from now on. Regards, Hiro
Susanne U.
“Great day lovely experience”
What a great day and lovely experience we had in Kyoto. Hiro-san was very helpful and kind and showed us all sopts we wanted to see. He explained a lot about history and also brought some props with him to dress up for photos which our daughter loved. He was also very helpful guiding us through public transportation which helped us a lot during the rest of our stay in Kyoto. Thank you Hiro-san for this beautiful experience.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Susanne-san, Danke. Thank you very much for your favorable comment. There can be no greater honor for me as a guide than to have such a lavish praise. I wish you all a good health and happiness in the days ahead. Especially, a healthy growth for Heidi. Auf Wiedersehen. Regards, Hiro
$141/ per group