Enryaku-ji

Buddhist Training Experience

SCROLL

ABOUT

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.

Buddhist Training Experience - Enryaku-ji

Experience the Sacred Traditions
of Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji

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.

EXPERIENCE
Consultation

Consultation

Consult with a monk to design your personalized immersion program.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Candlelight Meditation

Candlelight Meditation

Look within and find inner peace through comfortable, candlelit zazen meditation.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Incense Making

Incense Making

Mix a personalized scent from pure raw materials and enclose it in a traditional silk sachet.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Calligraphy

Calligraphy

Create and take home your own personalized meditative calligraphy.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Prayer Bracelet Making

Prayer Bracelet Making

Craft your own meaningful Buddhist prayer bracelet from selected stones and wood, and take it home.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Mountain Trekking

Mountain Trekking

Experience a taste of the monks' rigorous training by trekking the sacred, forested paths of Mt. Hiei.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Sutra Chanting

Sutra Chanting

Experience the profound resonance of the monks' morning sutra chanting.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Zen Garden Creation

Zen Garden Creation

Learn to create a zen rock garden and freely rake your own tranquil patterns in the sand.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details
Temple Night Walk

Temple Night Walk

Explore the temple grounds after dark, guided by a monk and the gentle glow of a single candlelit lantern.

1 hr 30 mins
View Details

Ready to book?
Select one of our trusted travel partners below to get started.

Enryakuji Kaikan

4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116

Google Maps

Access from Kyoto

By car

Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kyoto Station.

By public transport

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)