Enryakuji Temple (Hieizan)

What to know

Perched on Mount Hieizan (比叡山) in Kyoto's eastern mountains, Enryakuji (延暦寺) is a historic monastery and the head temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Many influential monks trained here, including the founders of later schools like Pure Land, Zen, and Nichiren.

Founded in 788 by the monk Saicho, who brought Tendai Buddhism from China, Enryakuji once housed up to 3,000 subtemples and commanded a powerful army of warrior monks. These monks frequently clashed with other monasteries and political leaders.

In 1571, warlord Oda Nobunaga attacked Enryakuji, destroying most buildings and killing many inhabitants to eliminate rivals. Consequently, most structures today date from the early Edo Period, when the temple was rebuilt.

The temple's attractions are spread across three areas: Todo (east), Saito (west), and Yokawa. The main Todo area, where the monastery was founded, contains key buildings like the Main Hall (Kompon Chudo) and the Amida Hall, added in 1937.

A pleasant forest trail connects Todo to Saito, which houses the mausoleum of founder Saicho and the Shaka Hall, the mountain's oldest building. Nearby stands the Ninai Hall, two halls linked by a corridor. Legend says the strong monk Benkei once carried this hall on his shoulders.

The Yokawa area, several kilometers north, sees fewer visitors. Its main building, the Yokawa Central Hall, is partially built on a slope using pillars.