Mount Hiei Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mount Hiei, Japan with our comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, local culture, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Mount Hiei

Located in Shiga, Kansai, Japan, Mount Hiei draws thousands of visitors each year for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure opportunities. At 848 meters high, it is known for its breathtaking views of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Mount Hiei is also home to several Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, museums, and hiking/biking trails, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.

List of Places to Visit in Mount Hiei

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Enryaku-ji Temple: One of Japan’s most important temples, founded over 1200 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Hieizan Sakamoto Cable Car: A scenic cable car ride that takes you from Sakamoto to Enryaku-ji Temple.
  • Miidera Temple: One of the four largest temples in Japan, located near the base of Mount Hiei.
  • Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Hiei.

Natural Attractions of Mount Hiei: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Hiei hiking and biking trails: There are many hiking/biking trails to explore, varying in difficulty and length.
  • Biwako Valley: A popular ski resort in winter with stunning views and outdoor activities in the summer.
  • Onjo-ji Temple: A historical temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei with beautiful gardens and architecture.
  • Shiramizu Falls: A scenic waterfall located near Biwako Valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mount Hiei

  • Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi trail: A scenic, easy trail from Sakamoto to Enryaku-ji Temple.
  • Hieizan Driveway: A paved road up the mountain, connecting Sakamoto and Enryaku-ji Temple, with stunning views of Lake Biwa along the way.
  • Oku-Hiei Mountain Trail: A challenging mountain climb with spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Mount Hiei: Activities and Tours

  • Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple Tour: A guided tour of the temple complex, providing insight into its history and cultural significance.
  • Biwako Valley Ropeway: A scenic aerial tramway that takes you to the top of Biwako Valley for stunning views.
  • Sagawa Art Museum: A museum showcasing traditional Japanese art, with a focus on ceramics and calligraphy.
  • Boat tour of Lake Biwa: Relax with a boat ride on the largest freshwater lake in Japan and take in the scenic views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mount Hiei

Day Activity
1 Arrive and explore Sakamoto town
2 Tour Enryaku-ji Temple and Hieizan Sakamoto Cable Car
3 Hike Oku-Hiei Mountain Trail
4 Visit Miidera Temple and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
5 Take a boat tour of Lake Biwa
6 Visit Sagawa Art Museum and Shiramizu Falls
7 Relax and enjoy the scenery before departing

Food and Drink Scene of Mount Hiei

Must-Try Dishes

  • Omi beef: A high-quality beef from Shiga, known for its tenderness and flavor.
  • Funazushi: A type of sushi made with fermented crucian carp, a delicacy of Lake Biwa.
  • Kaisen-don: A rice bowl topped with fresh seafood, including shrimp, tuna, and salmon.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Shiga is known for producing high-quality sake, using the local spring water to make it.
  • Green tea: Shiga is also known for producing high-quality green tea, with several tea plantations in the area.

Where to Stay in Mount Hiei: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mount Hiei Hotel: A luxury hotel with stunning views of Lake Biwa and a variety of room options.
  • Sakamoto Ryokan: A traditional Japanese inn with hot springs and beautiful views.
  • Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel: A high-end hotel located near Biwako Valley with a variety of amenities.

What to Buy in Mount Hiei: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Omi beef: Take home this high-quality local beef to enjoy at home.
  • Shigaraki pottery: Local pottery made in Shiga, known for its beauty and durability.
  • Omi tea: Take home some high-quality green tea from Shiga’s tea plantations.

Local Culture and Customs of Mount Hiei

  • Respectful behavior: As with all religious and cultural sites, it is important to be respectful to the customs and traditions of the area.
  • Pilgrimage: Many visitors come to Mount Hiei to complete a pilgrimage to Enryaku-ji Temple, an important cultural and religious site in Japan.

Best Time to Visit Mount Hiei

The best time to visit Mount Hiei is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the leaves turn vibrant colors. Summer is also a popular time to visit, with outdoor adventures and festivals in the area, but it can be hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mount Hiei

Do:

  • Dress comfortably and respectfully when visiting religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees.
  • Explore the hiking and biking trails for stunning views of the area.
  • Be open to trying local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Touch or disturb any artifacts or structures at religious sites.
  • Leave your trash behind, as it can harm local wildlife and the environment.
  • Ignore safety signs or guidelines, as they are in place for a reason.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mount Hiei

  • Mount Hiei is a safe destination with low crime rates, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling.
  • It’s important to take proper safety measures when hiking or biking, such as wearing appropriate clothing, bringing enough water, and taking breaks as needed.

Health in Mount Hiei

  • Japan has universal healthcare, and there are hospitals and clinics in the area for any medical needs.
  • Be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies, and communicate them to restaurants or food vendors.

Getting to Mount Hiei: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • By train: Take a train to Kyoto or Otsu station, and then transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway to Hieizan Sakamoto station.
  • By bus: Several bus companies offer services to and from Mount Hiei.
  • By car: Rental cars are available from nearby cities, and parking is available at most attractions.

Airports Near Mount Hiei

  • Osaka International Airport (ITM): 90 km away, approximately a 90-minute drive.
  • Kansai International Airport (KIX): 110 km away, approximately a 2-hour drive.

Bus Stations Near Mount Hiei

  • Sakamoto Cable car station: Served by several bus routes in the area.

Other Options

  • Self-guided tour: Rent a bike or car and explore Mount Hiei on your own.
  • Guided tour: Several tour companies offer guided tours of Mount Hiei and the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Mount Hiei

  • Train and bus: Get around using the Eizan Electric Railway and local buses.
  • Bike and hike: Rent a bike or hike the scenic trails to explore the area.
  • Car: Rental cars are available, but be aware of narrow roads and limited parking.

Where to Go Next from Mount Hiei: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kyoto: A historical city known for its temples, gardens, and traditional culture, located about 30 minutes by train from Mount Hiei.
  • Otsu: A city located on the shore of Lake Biwa with beautiful temples and gardens, about 15 minutes by train from Mount Hiei.
  • Nagahama: A small town on the shore of Lake Biwa known for its beautiful castle and traditional architecture, about an hour by train from Mount Hiei.

Conclusion

Mount Hiei’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure opportunities make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide, and be sure to take in all the sights and sounds that Mount Hiei has to offer.

Amida-dō Hall, Enryakuji Amida-dō Hall, Enryakuji Hiyoshi Sanso teahouse Hiyoshi Sanso teahouse