Mount Hiei

On Sunday, I visited another amazing place in Kyoto called Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei - about an hour from Kyoto station.

Getting back to nature in this giant forest

We caught the special rapid from Himeji to Kyoto, then a local bus for 20 minutes to transfer to a local train station. We rode the train to the base of the mountain, then stepped into a cable car followed by a ropeway to access the mountain. From there a bus was able to take us to the major temple areas.

First, we walked the hiking track to the Todo (east) area.

This particular temple was reconstructed in 1987

The view of Lake Biwa from the temple steps was amazing!

Next, we walked to Saito (the west area) ...


... step-by-step...

...by step!

This hall is called Ninai-do and is used for meditation -

But I was interested in the look of this green moss!


Priests living in Jodo-in vow to retreat for 12 years

The main Buddhist temple is called Shaka-do

Buddha's image in stone by the temple

By the day's end, we were all hungry so we ate a late dinner back in Himeji.

Mmm. Okonomiyaki

Mount Hiei is definitely worth a look if you're staying in or visiting Kyoto.

Until next time,
Monica