The temple is accessible from Kyoto or Shiga Prefecture via the Eizan cable car and ropeway, the Sakamoto Cablecar, or direct buses from Kyoto. While the Eizan cable car and ropeway offer a scenic route to the top, they do not operate in winter. Buses provide a convenient alternative but also pause service in the winter months.
You should set aside a whole day to thoroughly explore the vast complex and its serene surroundings. Check the operating months of your preferred transportation option to the temple, especially if you are visiting in winter. Lastly, wearing comfortable walking shoes is advisable due to the extensive grounds and walking trails connecting the different areas.
While Enryaku-ji offers a unique experience throughout the year, visiting during the autumn to witness the changing colors of the leaves can be exceptionally breathtaking. Spring is also a beautiful time with cherry blossoms in bloom. However, transportation options may be limited during winter (early December to mid-March), so plan accordingly.
Yes, various tickets and passes can be used for transportation to Enryaku-ji, including the One Day Sightseeing Ticket from Keihan Railways, which offers unlimited travel in the area for a day. However, the temple is not accessible with the JR Pass. For convenience, consider using a Suica card or exploring rental car options if you plan to visit multiple sites in the area.
The Todo area is essential for first-time visitors, as it houses the main hall and the Amida Hall, among other significant structures. The Saito area, with the mausoleum of Saicho and the oldest building on the mountain, the Shaka Hall, offers a deeper dive into the temple's history. Although less visited, the Yokawa area provides unique architectural insights and a tranquil atmosphere.
Traveler reviews
I think it is worth a visit.
There is not much I can say that has not been already said by someone else in these reviews.
I went in late November of 2025 on a weekday.
No big crowd: Some small groups of tourists, some smaller family groups, and also lone visitors.
The ropeway was a nice experience to/from the temple.
It's hard to give justice to a place of Enryaku-ji's caliber in a google maps review, so I'm just going to say that you absolutely need to go there if even if it's the only thing you do during your Kyoto visit and give you some pointers on how to get there and get around its many areas.
First of all, its best to approach from the Sakamoto side, by cable car. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike, but it's sort of a tough climb and can take too long if you just have one chance to see the whole mountain. From the cable car station is a couple minutes to the East Pagoda site, which hosts most of the temple buildings, together with a museum. From there follow the signs to the Western Pagoda (30 minutes, mostly downhill), and be sure to stop by the Jodo-in on the way. Once you've explored the western site (Shaka-do and the surroundings), you can either go back to Kyoto via the cable car to Yase, or continue to the Yokawa area. This is a straightforward, relaxed hike that takes around 2 hours, and has some absolutely stunning views along the way (be sure to stop by the Ruri-do!). Once you've seen the Yokawa area and you're ready to go back, you have two choices: go back via shuttle bus (unavailable in winter!) to the Yase cable, or hike down the mountains back to Sakamoto. I recommend the bus, as the hike is hard; the route is in poor shape and you can easily get lost, as the forks you need to take are sometimes unmarked or overgrown (I did the hike in december 2025). There are some hidden cemeteries along the way though, so it is not without its appeal. All in all, this can be done in a day, preferably when days are longer, so you don't get caught by night when descending, and have the option to get the bus in the first place; or you can leave Yokawa for a second visit, and explore everything in the various areas more thoroughly.
(photos are from all the places mentioned)
Visited in July recently.
Reached here from Kyoto station with a train ride, then a bus, a cable car, a ropeway and finally a hike.
It may sound overwhelming but journey itself is worth it and the destination is as good as Koyozumi-dera.
The accessibility is definitely why there are not many tourists here
This temple grounds is quite big.
Unfortunately during our visit the main hall was under renovation.
May just visit again if ever in Kyoto again.
Not to be rushed, time spent here should be in quiet contemplation walking the rather extensive grounds. Not as well conserved as places in Kyoto or Nikko, and felt rather commercial at times but a must see if you’re spending time in Shiga.
From religious point of view: very important place and definitely worth it of you are interested in Japanese branch pf Buddhism and Japanese history and culture in general.
General tourist point of view: there is really nothing special about it that would justify the entrance fee of 1000¥ + the cable or ropeway if you decide to take it for 1800¥ roundway. Any smaller temple in nature is just as beautiful.
It really depends on what kind of tourist you are.
More about Enryaku-ji Temple (Mount Hiei) from our blog
