ShigaTravel

Pay Respects in the East Pagoda Area Including the Root Hall of This UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Have Lunch at the Temple Town

About this spot

The head temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Kobo Daishi Saicho in 788 (Enryaku 7), with Mount Hiei as its entire temple grounds—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism," it is where the great patriarchs Honen, Shinran, Eisai, Dogen, and Nichiren all trained. At Konpon Chudo (Root Hall), the main temple, you can pay respects before the "Eternal Dharma Lamp" that has burned continuously for 1,200 years without extinguishing. Though the National Treasure Konpon Chudo is undergoing major restoration, you can still pay respects during this period, and witnessing the restoration process up close is actually a rare opportunity. The East Pagoda area features scattered historic halls such as the Great Lecture Hall and Kaidan-in, and wandering among towering cedar groves with their crisp, clear air provides a spiritually cleansing experience.

Tips

Unified pilgrimage fee for East Pagoda, West Pagoda, and Yokawa areas: ¥1,000 for adults. From Sakamoto Cable Car Upper Station, it's approximately 10 minutes on foot to the East Pagoda area. The temple grounds feature many stone steps and inclines, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Temperatures on the mountain are cooler than at the base, so bring a light jacket for comfort. Dining facilities and shops within the temple grounds are limited, so plan lunch with adequate time.