☆Day Trip from Fushimi Series☆ @ Enryakuji Temple

[About 90 minutes from Fushimi] Spectacular views and tranquility—A day trip to Mt. Hiei’s Enryakuji Temple to reset your mind

About 90 minutes from Fushimi. Did you know that with just a short trip, you can reach a place where even the air and the flow of time feel completely different?

This time, we visited Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei. Accessible by train and bus, it’s a perfect “refreshing getaway” you can fully enjoy even on a day trip.

Currently, the main hall, Konpon Chudo, is under renovation (until 2030). However, this also makes it a rare sight you can only see right now.

Recommended model course (approx. 4 hours)

Exploration area: “Todo” (East Pagoda Area)

Mt. Hiei is divided into three areas: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa. This time, we focused on the Todo area, which is easy to explore even for first-time visitors.

Enjoy a quiet, peaceful time in the clear mountain air—completely different from Fushimi.

Recommended model course (approx. 3 hours)

Kyoto Station (9:30) → Enryakuji (10:35) *Admission: 1,000 yen

- Konpon Chudo → Banpaido → Daikokudo → Monjuro

- Eizan Kaikan (views & rest)

- Ichigu Kaikan (lunch)

- Kaidan-in → Amida-do → Todo → Daikodo

- Treasure Hall → Souvenirs

Enryakuji Bus Center (14:11) → Kyoto Station (15:20)

※About 3 hours at Enryakuji, allowing for a relaxed pace. If you walk quickly, you could shift your Kyoto Station departure to 10:30.

Website (grounds map):
　https://www.hieizan.or.jp/grounds/toudou.html

Konpon Chudo (under renovation)　＠根本中堂（工事中）

The main hall of Enryakuji and the largest building on the grounds.

The principal deity is Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha).

Although under renovation, it offers a rare chance to observe construction work up close.

Banpaido (Goshuin / Eternal Flame)　＠萬拝堂（御朱印・不滅の法灯）

A temporary worship hall replacing Konpon Chudo.

The “Eternal Flame” can be viewed until 2027.

Daikokudo (Goshuin)　＠大黒堂（御朱印）

Located facing the square in front of Banpaido and Ichigu Kaikan.

Considered the birthplace of Daikokuten worship in Japan, known for blessings of business prosperity.

Monjuro　＠文殊楼

The main gate of Enryakuji, located at the top of steep stone steps lined with votive plaques for academic success.

The stairs are quite challenging, so it’s okay to skip.

Eizan Kaikan (Scenic Spot)　＠叡山会館（絶景スポット）

A highlight of this trip! A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Lake Biwa.

Also offers dining, a café, and souvenirs.

Website (for individual lunch visitors):

　https://www.hieizan.or.jp/news/post-1233/

Ichigu Kaikan (Lunch & Rest)　＠一隅会館（昼食＆休憩）

A free rest area with dining facilities.

You can bring your own lunch and relax at your own pace.

Many visitors were enjoying meals they brought with them. Bringing your own bento for a temple visit is a great idea.

There is also a cafeteria in the basement.

It operates on a ticket system with unreserved seating, so you may have to wait if it’s busy.

It’s best to secure a seat before ordering.

I had the “Mt. Hiei soba” (850 yen).

Kaidan-in　＠戒壇院

At Kaidan-in, monks undergo the ordination ceremony to become fully ordained.

There’s not much to see inside, so it’s okay to skip.

Amida-do (Goshuin)　＠阿弥陀堂（御朱印）

Built in 1937, it serves as a hall for memorial services for parishioners’ ancestors.

The principal deity is Amida Nyorai. You can observe even during ceremonies, but there are no chairs—you sit on the floor.

Note: the available chairs are for sutra copying, so please don’t use them casually.

Todo (Photo Spot)　＠東塔（写真スポット）

The most photogenic spot—don’t miss it!

Its vermilion color makes it stand out from other buildings.

Daikodo (Goshuin)　＠大講堂（御朱印）

A must-visit for history lovers! The principal deity is Dainichi Nyorai.

Statues of founders of various Buddhist sects line the hall, offering insight into the flow of Japanese Buddhism.

You’ll also find wooden statues of Emperor Kanmu and Prince Shotoku.

There are also portraits of eminent monks throughout the hall, making it easy to spend a long time here.

However, like Amida-do, there are no chairs.

Bell Tower　＠鐘楼

Next to Daikodo is a bell that anyone can ring.

It costs 100 yen per strike. While observing, I was surprised to see some people ignoring proper etiquette.

If you’ve read this—please make sure to pay the 100 yen!

Treasure Hall　＠国宝殿

We skipped it this time, but it’s worth visiting if you have time! Admission is 500 yen.

Important Tip

Buses run about once per hour on the return trip. If you miss one, you’ll need to change your route, so be careful.

※Afternoon departures: 14:11 / 15:11 / 16:11 / 17:11

Fushimi Connection

Enryakuji is known as the “Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism” and has produced many eminent monks.

Some of them are connected to Fushimi:

- Shinran (associated with Hino in Fushimi)

- Dogen (theory of birth in Kuga)

Also, speaking of Fushimi, there is Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

He was involved in the reconstruction of Enryakuji.

In fact, Fushimi and Mt. Hiei are historically deeply connected.

Summary

An easy yet special day trip from Fushimi. With its blend of nature, history, and tranquility, Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei is the perfect place to refresh your mind. Be sure to visit on your next day off.