Your journey begins at Kyoto Station, where we board a scenic train ride to the base of Mount Hiei. As we leave the city behind, lush landscapes and distant mountain peaks come into view, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Upon arrival, we step into the peaceful grounds of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, an important spiritual site deeply intertwined with both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, this shrine is a sanctuary of tranquility. We will explore the impressive shrine buildings, learn about Kogane no Oiwa, a sacred rock formation, and discuss the shrine’s role in protecting Kyoto. For those up for a challenge, we embark on a steep 30-minute hike to Ushio-gu Shrine and Sanno-miya Shrine, perched on a cliffside with a breathtaking view of Lake Biwa. This hike is short but intense, featuring uneven ground and a demanding incline—a true leg burner! The descent takes about 20 minutes.

After a short walk, we board the Sakamoto Cable Car, Japan’s longest cable car ride. As we ascend the mountainside, stunning views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, unfold beneath us. The ride offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes, making for a truly breathtaking experience. Reaching the top, we begin our exploration of the legendary Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the honzan (head temple) of Tendai Buddhism. Founded by the monk Saichō in the 8th century, this temple played a significant role in shaping Japan’s religious traditions. We will visit the Konpon Chudo, the temple’s grand hall, as well as Shaka-do and Amida-do, where centuries-old rituals still take place. We’ll discuss the temple’s tumultuous history, including its destruction by Oda Nobunaga during the 16th century. We begin our descent via cable car, taking in one last panoramic view of the valley below before returning to the base of the mountain.