Two Sacred Peaks
Two main Tendai temples with special access to the closed halls of Japan’s National Treasures
- Duration: 8 hours (start at 9:00)
- Price: On request
- Departure: Departure and arrival at Kyoto Hotel
Overview
Mount Hiei and Miidera are the two principal temples of the Tendai school, separated by Lake Biwa and more than a thousand years of history. Despite their common origin, each has preserved its own tradition, architecture, and path of development.
The journey begins on the sacred Mount Hiei, the cradle of Japanese Tendai Buddhism. Here, among ancient cedars, stands the monastic complex Enryaku-ji, founded in the 8th century by the monk Saichō and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For over a thousand years, it was here that spiritual traditions were shaped, influencing nearly every school of Japanese Buddhism.
After lunch overlooking Lake Biwa, you will head to Miidera, one of the oldest temples in Japan, located on the opposite shore. Its spacious grounds, ancient pavilions, and bell—renowned as one of the three greatest bells in Japan—create a distinctly contemplative atmosphere.
The highlight of the day will be a unique private tea ceremony in a historic pavilion, recognized as a National Treasure of Japan and usually closed to the public. Surrounded by centuries-old architecture and temple gardens, you will discover the philosophy of Japanese hospitality in a space where the tea tradition has been preserved for many generations.
Itinerary: Kyoto hotel → Enryaku-ji (Mount Hiei) → Lunch with a view of Lake Biwa → Miidera → Private tea ceremony in a National Treasure pavilion → Kyoto hotel
Key Features
- Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei — The main temple of the Tendai school, founded in 788. Distinguished monks such as Hōnen, Shinran, Eisai, Dōgen, and Nichiren studied here before founding their own schools. Included in the World Heritage List in 1994.
- The Eternal Flame of Dharma — The sacred flame on the site has not been extinguished for 1,200 years since the temple's founding. The solemn atmosphere conveys the very essence of Tendai Buddhism. The main hall is recognized as a National Treasure of Japan.
- Panorama of Lake Biwa — As you approach and explore Mount Hiei, breathtaking views of Lake Biwa unfold before you. Since ancient times, monks have admired this landscape. Forest trails and historic temple halls lend your journey a unique sense of depth and tranquility.
- Mii-dera — Founded in 686, this is the main temple of the Tendai Jimon school. It is one of the two great head temples of Tendai, along with Enryakuji. The temple is houses 64 national treasures and 720 important cultural properties.
- Kojoin Guest Hall — Built in 1601, this structure is recognized as a National Treasure and is considered the origin of Japanese residential architecture. The interior is adorned with paintings by the Kano school, and the famous garden extends to a spacious veranda.
- Kangakuin Guest Hall — A national treasure built in 1600. This exquisite room embodies the "shuden-zukuri" style, classic for samurai residences of the Muromachi era. Wall paintings by Kanō Mitsunobu adorn the rooms.
Itinerary
Day 1 — A journey visiting two sacred sites
From the cedar groves of Hiei to the lakeside national treasure
- 9:00 Departure from the hotel in Kyoto
Depart from your hotel in Kyoto with a guide in a private car with a personal driver, heading towards Mount Hiei. - 10:00 Mount Hiei / Enryaku-ji Temple
Walk along the cedar-lined avenue to the Eastern Pagoda. Discover the history from the founding by Saichō to the many school founders who studied here. In Konpon Chūdō, you can see the “Eternal Light of Dharma” up close. - 12:00 Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected restaurant. Upon request, we can arrange seasonal Siga cuisine, shojin ryori, or private rooms with views of Lake Biwa. - 13:30 A special visit to Kangakuin and Kojo-in at Miidera (Onjo-ji Temple), usually closed to the public
At Miidera, located on the slopes of Nagara-yama by the lake, you will find the Main Sanctuary Hall—a National Treasure—and artifacts that bear witness to the thousand-year history of the school. In two guest halls, both recognized as National Treasures and usually closed to the public, the temple abbot will guide you through exquisite interiors: tokonoma alcoves, multi-tiered shelves, built-in writing desks, as well as Kano school paintings and the famous gardens that unfold beyond the wide verandas. - 15:00 A unique tea ceremony in the Kōjōin guest hall, usually closed to the public
Immerse yourself in a unique tea ceremony held in a building designated as a National Treasure, conducted by a master of the Mitsui Koryu Senchado school. In a tranquil setting, enjoy graceful movements and refined techniques—the sound of hot water, the rising aroma, and the shifting nuances of flavor in each cup. It is said that this school originated when tea was brewed with sacred spring water, which gave Miidera its name, and was offered in the Main Hall. Savor an exceptional moment that allows you to fully experience the culture of sencha with all five senses. - 16:00 Departure from Miidera
Transfer to the hotel by private car in Kyoto. - 17:00 Arrival at the hotel
Return to the Kyoto hotel. Additional options are available upon request, such as a cruise on Lake Biwa or an introduction to a traditional ukai fisherman.
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
Practical Information
- Start time / Duration
- 9:00 / 8 hours
- Included in the price
- ・Car with a personal driver
・Guide accompaniment
・Mountain/entrance fees (Sencha tea ceremony experience)
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.