Two Sacred Peaks
Two main Tendai temples with special access to the closed halls of Japan’s National Treasures
TWO MOUNTAINS, ONE LAKE
Two mountains, one lake — A millennium of the Tendai school across Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is one, yet it reflects two Tendais.
Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei to the east; Miidera on Mount Nagara to the west. Both monasteries trace their origins to Saichō, but under Enchin the path split into two schools—Sanmon and Jimon. One retreated to the mountains, the other gazed at the water. For centuries, they often opposed each other, and at times even exchanged fire.
The lake, however, illuminated both shores unchanged. In the morning—a view through the cedars of Hiei; in the afternoon—contemplation of the pond in the garden from the veranda of Miidera, recognized as a National Treasure—the water returns the same light.
A thousand years of divergence, contained on a single surface over the course of a single day.
Additional options
- Zazen (meditation) or Buddhist ritual experience (reservation required)
- Yamabushi experience (approximately 6 hours)
- Lunch with a view of Lake Biwa
- Private cruise on Lake Biwa
- Stay at a luxury ryokan on the lakeshore
- Professional photo shoot at the temple or by the lake
Special visits to Kangakuin and Kojo-in are available by advance reservation only for groups of four or more, except on temple ceremony days. Tea ceremonies are arranged separately with the temple’s approval. Please note that meals and additional options are not included in the tour price.