Join our Kyoto guide for a hike to the top of sacred Mount Hiei, home of the Tendai esoteric school of Buddhism.
Home to the “marathon monks” of the Tendai esoteric school of Buddhism, Mount Hiei is located just outside the city limits of Kyoto and is the location of Enryaku-ji, the main temple of the sect. For the best Hiei experience, let us guide you along some of the same trails used by marathon monks, from the base of Mount Hiei to the temple complex at the top, but don’t worry, we don’t expect you to do the full marathon , Just a walk of around 2.5 hours!
At the top you can explore the vast temple complex and learn about the fascinating Buddhist heritage of the mountain. You then have the option to go on an excursion to Kyoto or return to the city by public transport.
Although not a technically difficult hike, the mountain trail is unpaved and steep in parts so you will need to be in reasonable physical condition and sturdy walking shoes are required.
When to go: we recommend doing this hike only from March to November. During the winter months you can visit the Mount Hiei Temple Complex, but we suggest taking public transportation or a taxi to the summit.