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Mount Hiei

Natural landmark
★ 4.9 (10K+ reviews) • 41K+ booked
Mount Hiei is a sacred mountain to the northeast of Kyoto, right on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. You'll find the Enryaku-ji Temple grounds here, a UNESCO World Heritage, group of temples and buildings that have played a huge role in Japanese Buddhism and culture over the years. More than its stunning views of Kyoto, the temple is also famous for its "marathon monks," who take on the incredible 1,000-day challenge called "kaihogyo" in their quest for enlightenment. Nowadays, people come to Mount Hiei to check out its religious spots, take in nature, and catch some amazing views.
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Mount Hiei, Ichijoji Idegadanichosenguchi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0000, Japan

The best of Mount Hiei

Bucket-list experiences

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Kimono rental experience (Kyoto/Kyoto Kimono Rei Gion Store)

Kimono rental experience (Kyoto/Kyoto Kimono Rei Gion Store)

Easy refund
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★ 4.9 (210)
From RM 73.29
Autumn Leaves Season | Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Train (Optional Experience) & Sanzen-in Temple Day Tour | Depart from Osaka/Kyoto

Autumn Leaves Season | Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Train (Optional Experience) & Sanzen-in Temple Day Tour | Depart from Osaka/Kyoto

Easy refund
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★ 4.2 (148)
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Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Admission Ticket

Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Admission Ticket

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★ 4.5 (22)
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Matcha Ceremony Experience in Kyoto

Matcha Ceremony Experience in Kyoto

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★ 5.0 (21)
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Autumn Leaves Season | Hieisan Enryakuji Temple & Kyorinbo & Hachiman Cruise Day Tour for Fall Leaves Viewing | (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

Autumn Leaves Season | Hieisan Enryakuji Temple & Kyorinbo & Hachiman Cruise Day Tour for Fall Leaves Viewing | (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

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Samurai Experience & Kenbu Show in Kyoto

Samurai Experience & Kenbu Show in Kyoto

★ 4.9 (10)
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Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple Admission Ticket in Shiga

Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple Admission Ticket in Shiga

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The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto - Love Fashion

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto - Love Fashion

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30th Anniversary of World Heritage Registration Enryaku-ji Temple

30th Anniversary of World Heritage Registration Enryaku-ji Temple

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Kimono Rental Experience Provided by Kyoto/smile photo office

Kimono Rental Experience Provided by Kyoto/smile photo office

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden

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The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

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THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

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★ 4.6 (87)
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Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo

Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo

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★ 4.6 (257)
From RM 268.08
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Minn Sanjo

Minn Sanjo

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Ogoto Onsen Yunoyado Komolebi

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Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso Ryokan

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All that's good & tasty

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Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

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★ 4.6 (217)
From RM 152.09
Kichisen in Kyoto Gion - Michelin Three Starred Kaiseki Restaurant

Kichisen in Kyoto Gion - Michelin Three Starred Kaiseki Restaurant

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★ 4.6 (10)
From RM 655.05
Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki

Yamabana Heihachidiya in Kyoto - Centuries old Japanese Traditional Kaiseki

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Tempura Endo Okazaki Residence - Tempura in Kyoto

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Why people love Mount Hiei

4.9 /5
10K+ reviews
Read all reviews
chim ****
2 Nov
The staff responsible for explaining are very professional and attentive! The explanations are mixed in English and Mandarin and we are very encouraged to share and try more. Let our tourists who are experiencing Chacha culture for the first time understand its meaning! I really like it~ and the pastries are also delicious😋If I have the chance, I hope to experience more🤩
2+
Klook客路用户
2 Nov
I was very satisfied with the trip. The tour guide Minako was very nice. She helped me book round-trip train tickets and chose an even number or a window seat for a better view. Sanzen-in Temple also explained the history in detail and sent me a map of the route and check-in photos. She was very thoughtful. The leaves were not very red this time, but the scenery was good. I hope to come again next time during the maple leaf season.
蕭 **
31 Oct
When you go to quaint Kyoto, you must put on a kimono and take photos. Since I don’t speak Japanese, I chose Rei because there are service staff who can speak Chinese. However, there are not many clothes to choose from in this plan. If you want to choose something more beautiful, you need to pay extra!
Klook 用戶
30 Oct
It’s a pretty good one-day pass. I used up this one-day pass by taking 3 or 4 rides that day. I personally visited Kurama-Kifuneguchi-Yawatamae-Mt. Yase Hiei-Demachiyanagi on the same day.
Klook客路用户
30 Oct
You can enter the park by scanning the QR code directly, which is super convenient. The ticket price on site is 2,500 yen per person, and it is still much more cost-effective to buy it in advance through Klook. The fusion of music, lights and plants is definitely worth seeing!
Klook User
30 Oct
A great way to see Kyoto if you have limited time. Red line covers everything. Audio tour great. Great views from the open top bus. Staff very friendly and helpful and give directions if you need them. Highly recommend this. Bus stop outside Kyoto Railway Station on the Kyoto Tower side.
Klook Benutzer
29 Oct
It was absolutely amazing to be able to experience the Bonatic Garden in this way. The lights were beautiful and the music was perfectly coordinated. The whole thing, combined with the setting, was a lot of fun. After the experience, I would attend any event put on by the organizers!
Klook User
28 Oct
A fantastic experience. We were early due to some confusion with times on klook but they had no trouble accommodating us for the early session. It was such an educational but also exciting experience.
2+

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FAQs about Mount Hiei

Is Mount Hiei worth visiting?

Why is Mount Hiei important?

What is the folklore of Mount Hiei?

What to know before visiting Mount Hiei

Must-Visit Attractions in Mount Hiei

Enryaku-ji Temple

Enryaku-ji or Enryakuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the main temple of the legendary warrior monk Benkei. Uncover the deep history and cultural importance of this iconic temple on Mount Hiei. Back in its prime, Enryakuji had around 3,000 sub-temples and housed thousands of monks.

Hiking Trails

Go on a hiking adventure through the forests of Mount Hiei. Follow the Kyoto Isshu Trail to go up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to unwind with nature.

Sakamoto Cable Car

Experience a scenic ride on the Sakamoto Cable Car, where you can enjoy panoramic views as you go down from Mount Hiei to Otsu City in Shiga prefecture. Enjoy a convenient and picturesque journey back to Kyoto.

Garden Museum Hiei

Located on a mountaintop with stunning views of Kyoto and Lake Biwa, this garden art museum is a must-visit. Explore six beautiful gardens inspired by Provence, France, including an aromatic garden, a rose garden, a lily pond, and a flower garden, that can remind you of Monet's home. With 100,000 flowers blooming year-round, you're in for a visual treat. Plus, see the museum's highlight: ceramic tile replicas of 12 famous impressionist paintings by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.

Tips for Your Mount Hiei Visit

When is the best time to visit Mount Hiei?

Plan your visit to Mount Hiei during the spring or autumn seasons to enjoy pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery. Avoid the summer crowds and winter chill for a more peaceful experience.

How to go to Mount Hiei?

Reach Mount Hiei by toll road for hikers or take the Eizan Cable Car or Sakamoto Cable Car for a scenic journey to the top. Regular buses connect the attractions on the mountain, providing convenient transportation for visitors. Alternatively, you can take the train from JR Kyoto Station.

How long is the hike up Mount Hiei?

It takes an 11.1-mile round-trip trail to Mount Hiei near Kyoto. Known for its challenging terrain, it typically takes around 6 hours and 4 minutes to finish. Perfect for hiking, running, and leisurely walks, you'll enjoy a peaceful journey with minimal crowds along the way.

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