Otsu Ishiyamadera and Mount Hiei One Day Course

Otsu, spread along the southern shore of Lake Biwa, is an old capital where Heian elegance and mountain faith still breathe. This route links its great temples in a single day. By connecting the Keihan train and the cable car, the course is easy even without a car.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Ishiyamadera The ancient temple where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have conceived the Tale of Genji. It is about a ten minute walk from Keihan Ishiyamadera Station to the gate. The temple opens at 8:00, so take your time viewing the wollastonite rocks and the pagoda. Entry runs about 600 yen for adults and 250 yen for elementary students. Viewing the main hall inner sanctuary is charged separately, and set tickets that combine the two are also available.

11:00 On to Miidera (Onjoji) A famous temple known for its broad grounds and the Evening Bell, one of the Eight Views of Omi. Take the Keihan train from Ishiyamadera Station to Miidera Station, about a ten minute walk from there. Pause to listen to the bell and tour the Golden Hall and Kannondo. Check the admission at the entrance.

13:00 Lunch in the Sakamoto temple town Take the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line to Sakamoto Hieizanguchi Station. Wander streets lined with Ano style stone walls and enjoy the local soba. The scenery, where white sub temple walls harmonize with stone walls, is designated an important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings.

15:00 Up to Enryakuji on Mount Hiei Ride the Sakamoto Cable from Cable Sakamoto Station to the summit. It links the roughly 2.0 kilometer line in about 11 minutes, with a one way fare of around 960 yen for adults and 480 yen for children. From Cable Enryakuji Station it is about a twelve minute walk to the Eastern Pagoda area. Pray before the eternal lamp in the Konponchudo to close the day. The combined ticket for the three pagoda areas runs about 1,000 yen for adults, 600 yen for junior and high school students, and 300 yen for elementary students, and the Eastern Pagoda is generally open from 9:00 to 16:00, with reception until 15:45.

Highlights

The pagoda of Ishiyamadera, the Evening Bell of Miidera, the stone walls of Sakamoto, and the solemn halls of Enryakuji all fit into one day. The Konponchudo of Enryakuji is the central hall symbolizing the mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism, and its solemn interior air is a must see.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: A full day course from morning to evening. Allow a relaxed schedule that includes travel and temple visits.
• Getting around: The Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line links Ishiyamadera, Miidera, and Sakamoto, and the Sakamoto Cable is convenient from Sakamoto up to Enryakuji.
• Sakamoto Cable: About 2.0 kilometers and roughly 11 minutes, around 960 yen for adults and 480 yen for children one way. From Cable Enryakuji Station it is about a twelve minute walk to the Eastern Pagoda.
• Admission: Ishiyamadera entry is about 600 yen for adults and 250 yen for elementary students. The Enryakuji three area combined ticket is around 1,000 yen for adults, 600 yen for junior and high school students, and 300 yen for elementary students.
• Crowds and pacing: Enryakuji is vast, so focusing on the Eastern Pagoda area leaves you plenty of time. Check the Sakamoto Cable timetable in advance to make the pilgrimage reception cutoff.

Access and Tips

Ishiyamadera is about a ten minute walk from Keihan Ishiyamadera Station, and Miidera is also about a ten minute walk from its station. The cable car from Sakamoto to Enryakuji is convenient, and the summit calls for comfortable shoes.

A Quick Tip

Enryakuji is vast, so focusing on the Eastern Pagoda area leaves you plenty of time.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Ishiyamadera Temple (closing time and extra viewing): The gates close at 4:30 p.m., with last entry at 4:00 p.m. Entry costs 350 yen for junior and senior high school students. Viewing the inner sanctuary of the main hall is possible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for elementary school students, and a combined ticket with the entry fee costs 1,000 yen for adults. There are days when viewing is suspended, such as the New Year period (January 1 to 3), the Butsumyo-e rites (December 6 to 8), the big clean (December 12 to 13) and the preparations for the New Year (December 28 to 31)
• Parking at Ishiyamadera: The Ishiyamadera tourist parking lot holds 140 cars and 20 large buses. Charges are 600 yen for a car, 200 yen for a motorcycle, 1,400 yen for a microbus and 2,000 yen for a large bus (inquiries: 077-534-1600)
• Visiting Miidera Temple (Onjoji): 9:00-16:30 (reception closes at 16:00), open year-round. Entry costs 800 yen for adults, 500 yen for junior and senior high school students and 300 yen for elementary school students, and the cultural properties treasure house keeps the same hours. Parking costs 600 yen for a private car, 2,000 yen for a medium-sized vehicle and 3,000 yen for a large one
• Visiting hours for the Saito and Yokawa areas of Enryakuji Temple: 9:00-16:00 from March to November, and 9:30-16:00 in January, February and December, meaning that at some times of year the halls open 30 minutes later than in the Todo area. Admission to the National Treasure Hall is 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for junior and senior high school students and 100 yen for elementary school students (charged separately from the combined ticket for the three pagoda areas). In bad weather the halls may close earlier
• Sakamoto Cable Car times: It runs every 30 minutes (departing on the hour and the half hour), with the up and down cars departing and arriving at the same time. From March to November the first car is at 8:00 and the last at 17:30, and from December to February the first is at 8:30 and the last at 17:00. A return ticket costs 1,830 yen for adults and 920 yen for children
• Inquiries: 077-537-0013 (the head temple Ishiyamadera), 077-522-2238 (Miidera Temple), 077-578-0001 (Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei / reception 9:00-16:00)
• Official information: The official website of the head temple Ishiyamadera, the official website of Miidera Temple (Onjoji), the official website of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, and the official website of the Sakamoto Cable Car (Hieizan Railway)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.