Located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga, Mount Hiei rises to 848 meters. It is best known for housing the Enryaku-ji temple complex, the spiritual center of Tendai Buddhism in Japan. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto and Lake Biwa. Access is possible by cable car or hiking trails. The mountain is also associated with the Buddhist marathon monks of kaihōgyō, an extreme spiritual discipline.

Entrance fee: Free access to the mountain. Enryaku-ji: ¥1,000 (Tōdō area) or ¥1,500 (all 3 areas pass).
Touristy? Not very touristy, except in autumn when the maples turn red. The atmosphere remains quiet, ideal for walking and meditation.

Getting to Mount Hiei from Kyoto 🚆🚡

There are three main routes to reach Mount Hiei from Kyoto:

1️⃣ Via Eizan Electric Railway & Cable Car (Scenic Route)

🚉 From Kyoto: Take the Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden Line) from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (~15 min, 270 yen). Walk to the Eizan Cable Car & Ropeway station (~5 min). Take the Eizan Cable Car to Hieizan Ropeway (~9 min, 570 yen). Transfer to the Hieizan Ropeway and ride to the summit (~3 min, 310 yen). 🎟️ Total cost: ~1,150 yen one way. ⏳ Total time: ~45 min.

2️⃣ Via Sakamoto Cable Car (Shiga Prefecture Side)

🚉 From Kyoto: Take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station (~15 min, 330 yen). Walk to the Sakamoto Cable Car station (~10 min). Take the Sakamoto Cable Car (Japan’s longest cable car ride!) to the Enryaku-ji Temple area (~11 min, 880 yen). 🎟️ Total cost: ~1,210 yen one way. ⏳ Total time: ~50 min.

3️⃣ Via Kyoto Bus from Kyoto Station

🚌 Take the direct Kyoto Bus No. 51 from Kyoto Station to Enryaku-ji Temple (~1h, 770 yen). 💡 Tip: This option is more convenient but offers less scenic views compared to the railway routes.