Enryaku-ji
Rising above Japan's largest lake, straddling the border between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, the majestic Mt. Hiei is home to one of the most important temples in the history of Japan. Hidden amongst its heavily forested hills are the many sacred buildings of Enryakuji, a mystical Tendai Buddhist monastery that attracts monks from across Japan to its famously rigorous training.
Step into a world of spiritual heritage at Enryaku-ji, the headquarters of the Tendai Sect and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For over 1,200 years, this mountain has been a sanctuary for those seeking wisdom and inner peace.
We invite you to participate in "Shugyo" (spiritual training)—authentic practices that allow you to connect with Buddhist traditions and find a moment of profound reflection amidst the serene nature of Mt. Hiei.
Online bookings do not include arrangements for guides or interpreters.
*If you require a guide or interpreter, please arrange for one to accompany you.
Consult with a monk to design your personalized immersion program.
Look within and find inner peace through comfortable, candlelit zazen meditation.
Mix a personalized scent from pure raw materials and enclose it in a traditional silk sachet.
Create and take home your own personalized meditative calligraphy.
Experience a taste of the monks' rigorous training by trekking the sacred, forested paths of Mt. Hiei.
Experience the profound resonance of the monks' morning sutra chanting.
Learn to create a zen rock garden and freely rake your own tranquil patterns in the sand.
Explore the temple grounds after dark, guided by a monk and the gentle glow of a single candlelit lantern.
Inquiries
For inquiries about our experience programs or online booking, please contact us using the inquiry form.
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Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kyoto Station.
1. From JR Kyoto Station (Total approx 40mins)
→ Otsukyo Station, JR Kosei Line (11 mins)
→ Taxi (30 mins)
2. From JR Kyoto Station (Total approx 55mins)
→ Hieizan Sakamoto Station, JR Kosei Line (15 mins)
→ Bus (7 mins)
→ Cable Sakamoto Station (11 mins)
→ Cable Enryakuji Station (11 mins)
→ Walk (10 mins)