The entire area of Mt. Hieizan, which straddles the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures, is the temple area. It was also called Hokurei (meaning “northern peak”) because of its location to the north of Heiankyo (Kyoto).
The East Pagoda includes the Nemoto Chudo Hall, the East Pagoda of Hokke Sojiin, the Main Lecture Hall, the Amida Hall, the Monju Tower, and the Enryakuji Kaikan, the West Pagoda includes the Shakado Hall and Ninai Hall, and the Yokogawa Chudo Hall, the Nemoto Nyobo Pagoda, and the Gonsan Daishi Hall are located in Yokogawa.
It is also a scenic spot surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, with Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, sung as “Tendai Yakushi no Ike” to the east, and a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto to the west.
It is registered as a World Heritage Site as “Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto.
Touring hours for various halls
East Pagoda area:
March - November: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
December: 9:00-16:00
January - February: 9:00 - 16:30
West Pagoda and Yokogawa area:
March - November: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
January - February: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Open all year round
Enryakuji Temple Tour Fee
Common ticket for East Pagoda, West Pagoda and Yokogawa
Adults 1,000 yen
Junior high and high school students 600 yen
Elementary school students 300 yen
National Treasure Hall (Treasure House) Entrance Fee
Adults 500 yen
300 yen for junior high and high school students
Elementary school students: 100 yen
Take Kyoto Bus or Keihan Bus drive bus from Kyoto Station to “Hieizan Summit” stop.