What is Enryaku-Ji?
Enryaku-Ji is an active Buddhist temple belonging to the Tendai sect. It is located at the top of Mount Hiei, and was founded in the year 788. It is located in Shiga prefecture, due east of Kyoto, and close to Lake Biwa.
It had been burned down in 1571 and reconstruction was completed in 1642, with only one building, Ruri-dō (or the Lapis Lazuli Hall) surviving the siege.
Impressions
Enryaku-ji is a gorgeous and well-maintained temple. The monks were incredibly friendly and fun to chat with. I went in March on a cold, foggy, rainy day. Very few people were visiting the temple grounds that day. One defining feature is the massive bell that can be rung by visitors. The low, bellowing note of the bell can be heard everywhere on the temple grounds. Its reverberation soothes the mind and soul. Currently there is an entry fee of 1000 yen, or around $6.50 USD. I found it very worth it to explore such an interesting piece of history. Foreigners are allowed to ring the bell. However, I only did so after watching the monks and visitors do so several times. Respect and mindfulness are key in these instances.
How to get there?
Enryaku-ji is a little more difficult to get to compared to other large temples in Japan, but still very accessible.
Take the JR Kosei Line to Tsuruga from Kyoto Station (platforms 3 and 4) to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station. From there, you can reach the cable car after a brisk twenty-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, you can catch a bus just outside the station’s exit. Keep in mind the bus and cable car don’t run in the winter time. I ended up taking the bus and it was very pleasant, and I walked back to the train station after my visit. This also ended up being a pleasant walk. The whole journey will cost around 1200 yen, but this cost will vary if you already have a JR Pass.
Conclusion
Enryaku-ji was a wonderful, less explored outing from Kyoto. The train ride was calm with some wonderful scenery, particularity gazing over Lake Biwa. The monks and locals were welcoming and kind. The history and the ups and downs of the temple were interesting to learn about. I needed a peaceful moment from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. Enryaku-ji provided a magnificent experience I will never forget.
Bonus Haiku
Reverberation
The mind and soul can be cleansed
Open up your heart
Someone Who Wanders 
Leave a comment