Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

Often wrongly credited as one of the many beautiful temples of Kyoto, Enryakuji, is actually located on top of Mount Hieizan in Shiga prefecture. It is properly credited however as one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history as well as being the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Many influential monks studied at Enryakuji, including the founders the Pure Land (Jodo), Zen and Nichiren sects.

Enryakuji Temple was initially founded in 788 by Saicho, the monk who introduced Tendai Buddhism from China and features as many as 3,000 other temples. Enryakuji Temple is also famous for its past army of warrior monks (僧兵 sōhei) who often engaged in power struggles with other monasteries and political leaders in Kyoto, as a counterbalance to power hungry individuals.

Note : Enryakuji Tem main hall is undergoing some renovation and will be covered by scaffolding until at least 2026.

This video was made in Cooperation with Shiga Biwako Visitors Bureau. Learn more about Shiga Prefecture at https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/