Kyoto: Enryakuji Temple & Mt. Hiei Sacred Sites Tour
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Take a spiritual walk around the 1,200-year-old Enryakuji Temple, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Japanese history and a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
HIGHLIGHT
◆ Learn about the history of this momentous temple
◆ Walk the beautiful forest trails once taken by the temple’s warrior monks
◆ Visit the eastern area to see where Tendai monks train daily
◆ Explore the western area where the oldest buildings in the precinct can be found
◆ Tour in tranquility in the peaceful Yokawa area
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Enryaku-ji Temple
Enryaku-ji, the headquarters of the Tendai sect, is one of the most important temples in Japan for esoteric Buddhism. Located on verdant Mt. Hiei, many of the most influential monks in Japanese history have lived on its grounds. Founded in 788AD, the temple has a complex history, which includes its warrior monks’ deep connection to samurai politics in the country’s feudal age. Still dominating much of the mountain, it remains one of Japan’s most popular temples to this day.
To-do Area
The To-do area of Enryaku-ji is where most of the temple’s main buildings are located. This includes the main hall, where most of the monks train and pray daily, as well as the Amida Hall, which houses an important Buddha statue and a sub-temple where monks graduate into monastical life.
Sai-to Area
The Sai-to area is a short walking trail away from the To-do area. Surrounded by lush forest, it is home to the oldest building on the mountain, which houses an ancient image of the Historical Buddha. It is also the location of the founder’s mausoleum, which is located in a unique garden vicinity.
Yokawa Area
The Yokawa area is the far more tranquil part of the mountain. Here you can find the Yokawa Central Hall, which, with its unusual terrace and slopping pillars, was built to remind visitors of an envoy ship. The area is also the location of Buddhist art, most notably the painted panels, which depict numerous Buddhist tales.
The tour will start and end at JR Kyoto Station.
ITINERARY
Meeting Place:
The meeting place for this tour is JR Kyoto Station's Rooftop Sky Garden.
Transportation:
During the summer, we will take a bus to Mt. Hiei, but during the winter months, we can only reach the mountain by train and cable car.
The tour route is as follows:
JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → Mt. Hiei Summit → To-do → Lunch → Sai-to → Yokawa → JR Kyoto Station
CANCELLATION POLICY
PROGRAM FEE
Total Price = Basic Fee + Fee per Person * Number of Participants + Tax
Enryakuji Temple
Mt. Hiei
・Nationally licensed tour guide-interpreter
(1 guide for every 8 people)
・Public transportation (by train & bus)
・Admission to Enryakuji Temple
*The adult fee is 30,080 yen including tax, and the child fee for children under 12 years old accompanied by an adult is 21,560 yen.
** The minimum number of participants for this tour is 2 adults. If two children under 12 years old are accompanied by an adult, they will count as 1 adult.
・ Food & drink, shopping expenses, etc.
・ Transportation to the meeting place
・ Transportation from the tour end place
※ If you wish to be picked up from your hotel, an additional 3,300 yen (tax included) will be added to the fee.
◆ This is a shared program. Multiple groups may take this program at once.
◆ Please follow the instructions of the guide during the program. We will not be responsible for any accidents that may occur due to disobedience of the guide's instructions.
◆ The program will be operated in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the Japan Tourism Agency. As a measure against COVID-19, you will be asked to disinfect your hands and wear a mask, and we will measure your temperature before starting the experience.
◆ Walking tours may be subject to change due to facility closures or weather conditions. In such cases, we will guide you to alternative locations.
◆ The program duration stated is only approximate. Please note that the duration of the experience may vary depending on the situation and the number of guests.
◆ For walking tours, you are requested to meet our guide at a designated meeting place. If you are late, please contact us at 03-6432-0195 during business hours (weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00). We may also provide you with an additional telephone number to contact in advance of the program.
◆ If you require special assistance during the program due to any of the following: religious reasons, physical conditions, illness, allergies, or the age of children, please be sure to indicate this in the remarks section of the reservation form at the time of application. Please note that we cannot guarantee any arrangements or changes to the program without prior inquiry.
◆ The minimum number of participants for this program is 2.
◆ This program is typically held in English. However, languages other than English can also be supported. Please inquire at info@truejapantours.com for details. If the program is available in your language, an additional fee of 1,000 yen (tax not included) per person will be added to the listed fee.
◆ Our business hours are from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Please note that inquiries received outside of business hours will be handled on the next business day. The application deadline for this program is 10:00 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) five business days prior to the tour date. If you wish to apply after the deadline, please contact us at info@truejapantours.com
◆ Please note that we cannot guarantee arrangements for programs purchased after the application deadline without prior inquiry.
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