High on Mount Hiei stands more than just a stone. It is the \u6bd4\u53e1\u5c71\u5ef6\u66a6\u5bfa Stele. The stele stands as part of a temple designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site has 1200 years of history. It is also a key location for Japanese Buddhism.
The \u6bd4\u53e1\u5c71\u5ef6\u66a6\u5bfa Stele marks a place of profound spiritual and historical importance. Mount Hiei Enryakuji Temple can be found on Mount Hiei. The mountain serves as the border between Shiga and Kyoto. Enryakuji Temple was established on the hillside of Obiei. Obiei is the main peak. It sits at an altitude of 848 meters above sea level. The temple serves as the head temple of the Tendai-shu. Tendai-shu is a sect of Japanese Buddhism. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Enryakuji Temple was constructed in 788. Saicho, a monk born on Lake Biwa’s shore, established it. Saicho developed his talents as a monk early in life. He established the Buddhist sect known as Tendai-shu. He transformed the entire mountain into a large training ground for monks. It became known as the Root of Japanese Buddhism. Great numbers of monks trained here. Ascetic practices are still conducted here today. With some 1200 years of history and tradition, Enryakuji Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Enryakuji Temple comprises more than 100 structures. These buildings scatter throughout Mount Hiei’s 1700 hectares. The mountain divides into three areas. These are To-do, Sai-to, and Yokawa. Each area has its own main temple hall.
The To-do area centers around the Konpon Chu-do. This is Enryakuji Temple’s birthplace. The temple has expanded since its establishment. Despite numerous fires, each restoration has been grander. Oda Nobunaga burned Mount Hiei in 1571.
Saicho created a statue of Yakushi Nyorai. It is commonly referred to as the Medicine Buddha. It enshrines within the main temple hall. It sits behind another sacred object. That object is the Fumetsu-no-Hoto. It represents the immortal light of Buddhism.
A five-minute walk from the Konpon Chu-do is the Amida-do. It is a beautiful building erected in 1937. Visitors can enjoy the serene sounds of the Suikinkutsu. Drops of water fall into an underground jar there.
The Religious Summit Meeting on Mount Hiei has been held at Enryakuji Temple since 1987. It prays for world peace across religious and sectarian boundaries. A monument was erected on the grounds of the To-do area. It commemorates the first summit. The then Tendai-zasu and the Pope commissioned it. It is inscribed with the names of all participating religions. These include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.
The Sai-to area was built by Encho. He was the next Tendai-zasu following Saicho. Its Ninai-do hall comprises a corridor. This corridor connects the Jogyo-do and Hokke-do halls. Strict ascetic practices are still conducted there. The Shaka-do is the main temple hall of the Sai-to area. You can find it by passing under the Ninai-do corridor. After that, follow a long flight of stone steps.
Yokawa was opened by the third Tendai-zasu Ennin. He also belonged to Enryakuji Temple. Its main temple hall is the Yokawa Chu-do. It is a stage-like structure. It was inspired by the ships Japanese envoys rode to China during the Tang Dynasty. Fiery red maple trees surround it in fall. This creates breathtaking views and beautiful scenery.
The Hieizan Driveway’s winding roads and Sakamoto Cable offer spectacular views. You can see autumn leaves and Lake Biwa. Guests can enjoy the scenery with a warm cup of tea. Visit the lounge on the first floor of the Enryakuji Kaikan. The rooms and public bath offer spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.
Miidera Temple and Ishiyamadera Temple are grand temples. They can be found in Shiga near Enryakuji Temple. Alternatively, Biwako Valley resort complex is a popular destination. Visitors can take in the great views of Lake Biwa. They can also soak in Ogoto Onsen hot spring. Finally, they can peruse the collections at the MIHO MUSEUM.