Enryaku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai sect. Spreading across the 848-meter-high Mount Hiei, the temple grounds are made up of three areas: the East Pagoda, the center of teachings; the West Pagoda, dotted with training halls; and Yokokawa, a remote area with a secluded feel. The main hall and Konponchudo Hall (national treasures) are currently undergoing major renovations, making this a rare opportunity to observe the restoration process of these historic buildings. Plans for restoring the roof and coloring were announced in 2025, and the project is attracting attention as a way to restore the temple to its former glory.

More than 100 buildings are scattered throughout the temple grounds. Konponchudo Hall, the main hall of Enryaku-ji Temple, enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai as its principal image.

The trick to touring the temple is to "sort by theme." At the East Pagoda, you can really get a feel for the scale of Mount Hiei by visiting the Konponchudo Hall and Monjuro Tower. In the West Pagoda, soak up the tranquility of Benkei's Ninaido (Jogyodo Hall and Hokkedo Hall) and Jodoin Temple, and in Yokokawa, visit the stage-style Yokokawa Chudo Hall and Ganzandaishi Hall to experience the atmosphere of the birthplace of fortune-telling slips. The three areas are connected by a shuttle bus within the mountain, but walking distances are longer than you might expect, so plan accordingly.

To access the temple, take the cable car (ropeway) to the summit from either the Kyoto side or the Lake Biwa side.

By car, the Hieizan Driveway costs 1,670 yen round trip.
If you go further along the Oku-Hiei Driveway, there's an additional fee.