What this area is like
Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei is a World Heritage temple complex and the head temple of Tendai Buddhism. Otsu, on the lake shore, has Mii-dera temple and lake cruises.
Plan your visit
Reach Mount Hiei by the Sakamoto cable car from the Shiga side or from Kyoto via Yase.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Enryakuji (Mount Hiei)
Head temple of Tendai Buddhism, spread across three forested areas on the mountain between Kyoto and Lake Biwa.
- Access
- Bus from Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi or JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station to Cable Sakamoto, Sakamoto Cable up, then about 10 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Todo area 9:00–16:00; Saito and Yokawa 9:00–16:00 (December–February from 9:30). Winter snow can shorten hours.
- Fee
- Three-area ticket: adults ¥1,000, junior and senior high ¥600, elementary ¥300.
- Address
- 4220 Sakamoto-honmachi, Otsu, Shiga
Shuttle buses link the three areas. Keihan sells a discount Hiei ticket covering the transport.
How to plan your time here
- Go up by the Sakamoto Cable in the morning and down to Kyoto by the Eizan cable and ropeway in the afternoon.
- Otsu is only about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.