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Japan

Mount Hiei

Hill Hometown Fuji Mountain Sacred mountain Sangō Summit

Mount Hiei, Sacred mountain in Kyoto, Japan

Description

Mount Hiei is a forested peak between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures that reaches 848 meters (2782 feet). From the top, one sees Lake Biwa to the east and the Kyoto basin to the west.

History

Saichō founded a temple complex here in the eighth century that became the headquarters of the Tendai school. Oda Nobunaga destroyed most buildings in the 16th century during military campaigns.

Culture

The peak has drawn Buddhists for centuries and served as a training ground for monks of the Tendai school. Hikers today still encounter temple buildings and prayer sites along the forested trails.

Practical

Two cable car systems reach the summit station, one from the Kyoto side and one from the Lake Biwa side. Visitors can choose between different routes depending on where they start and how much time they have.

Did you know?

Some monks complete a spiritual practice called kaihōgyō here, walking mountain paths for 1000 days spread over seven years. The total distance covered adds up to more than the length of the equator.

Location

Sakyō-ku

Location

Otsu

Elevation above the sea

848.1 m

Part of

100 Famous Kyūshū Mountains

GPS coordinates

35.06580,135.83442

Latest update

December 15, 2025 00:43

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sakyō-ku).

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