Overview
HIEIZAN ENRYAKUJI TODO GUIDED TOUR
Walk the heart of Mt. Hiei Enryakuji,
the Todo area, with a guide.
The Todo area is the center of the World Heritage Site “Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple” and the birthplace of Enryakuji itself. On this tour, you will walk through the major halls and pagodas of the Todo area with detailed commentary from a local guide.
Visit Daikodo, Monjuro, the National Treasure Konpon Chudo, as well as Kaidanin, Hokke Sojiin Toto, and Amidado. Uncover the history of faith and training passed down for over 1,200 years as you visit each hall and pagoda.
DISCOVER TODO
Explore the birthplace of Enryakuji, the Todo area, in depth.
Rather than rushing through major highlights, this tour takes you on a walking journey through the halls and pagodas scattered across the Todo area. Your guide will explain the role, history, and teachings inherited from Saicho, founder of the Tendai sect.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
A special Todo experience only possible during the major renovation
At the National Treasure Konpon Chudo, you can view the major renovation work up close from the “observation platform” set up during the construction period.
Additionally, at Manbaido, the principal image of Konpon Chudo’s main deity, “Yakushi Nyorai,” and the “Eternal Dharma Light,” which has burned continuously for 1,200 years since the temple’s founding, are specially enshrined. Experience the unique appearance of the Todo area available only during this major renovation.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Todo in depth | Visit Daikodo, Monjuro, Konpon Chudo, Kaidanin, Hokke Sojiin Toto, Amidado, and more
National Treasure Konpon Chudo | View the major renovation up close from the observation platform
Manbaido | Worship the principal image “Yakushi Nyorai” and the “Eternal Dharma Light”
Walking distance approx. 2.3 km | Half-day guided tour to deeply explore the halls and pagodas of Todo on foot
Basic Information
- Tour Dates
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Daily from March 20 (Fri/Holiday) to December 6 (Sun), 2026
*Excluding special dates (ceremonies and events) - Time
-
■Morning Session
(Meeting at Cable Enryakuji Station) 9:45–12:00
(Meeting at Enryakuji Bus Center) 10:00–12:00
■Afternoon Session
(Meeting at Cable Enryakuji Station) 13:45–16:00
(Meeting at Enryakuji Bus Center) 14:00–16:00
【Duration: Approx. 2 hours】
*If traveling to Mt. Hiei via Sakamoto Cable, please select "Cable Enryakuji Station" when booking. If using a private vehicle or other transportation, please select "Enryakuji Bus Center." - Meeting Point
-
Cable Enryakuji Station
(Morning Session) Meet at 9:45 AM
(Afternoon Session) Meet at 1:45 PM
*If using Sakamoto Cable, you must select this meeting point. The Bus Center meeting point cannot be used as it requires passing through the temple grounds. - Capacity
-
10 participants (minimum 2 participants required)
- Price
-
4,800 yen (when 2 or more participants) / 8,000 yen (single participant tour)
《Includes》Admission fee, commemorative gift, guide fees, etc.
*The minimum number of participants for this tour is 2. If you wish to participate alone, please book at the single-participant rate. If other participants book and the minimum (2 or more) is reached, the difference will be refunded.
*English guide option available: 25,000 yen per session (per guide)
Itinerary
Cable Enryakuji Station or Enryakuji Bus Center / Meet
→
Daikodo
→
Monjuro
→
Manbaido / Special enshrinement of Yakushi Nyorai principal image Eternal Dharma Light
→
Konpon Chudo / View observation platform
→
Kaidanin
→
Hokke Sojiin Toto Amidado
→
Eizantei / Receive commemorative gift dismiss
Additional Details
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Main Highlights of the Todo Area
DAIKODO
Daikodo Important Cultural Property
This is a hall for academic training where monks listen to lectures on the Lotus Sutra and engage in dialogue to deepen their learning. The founders of various Buddhist sects are enshrined here, allowing visitors to appreciate the role Mt. Hiei has played in Japanese Buddhism.
MONJURO
Monjuro Important Cultural Property
This gate hall enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of wisdom. It is believed to bring blessings for exam success and academic achievement, attracting many worshippers.
KONPON CHUDO
Konpon Chudo, Observation Platform Manbaido
The National Treasure Konpon Chudo is the main hall of Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple. Currently closed for interior worship due to major renovation work, visitors can view the renovation up close from the “observation platform.” At Manbaido, the principal image “Yakushi Nyorai” and the “Eternal Dharma Light” are specially enshrined for worship.
KAIDANIN
Kaidanin
This hall is where the ordination ceremony is held for those becoming official monks in the Tendai sect. It is an important site for understanding monastic training and history at Mt. Hiei.
HOKKE SOJIIN AMIDADO
Hokke Sojiin Toto Amidado
Of the six pagodas established by Saicho, founder of the Tendai sect, across Japan, Hokke Sojiin Toto is the principal pagoda overseeing them all and serves as an important place of worship alongside Konpon Chudo. Amidado is a hall dedicated to Amida Nyorai for ancestral memorial services.
KONPON CHUDO INFORMATION
About Interior Worship at Konpon Chudo
Interior worship at Konpon Chudo is currently suspended due to major renovation work (scheduled January 2026–January 2028). The principal image “Yakushi Nyorai” and the “Eternal Dharma Light” may be worshipped at Manbaido.
Observation platform viewing is scheduled through December 2026.
*The itinerary and stops may change on the day depending on ceremonies, events, or congestion at Manbaido. Please understand in advance.
INFORMATION
Please review before joining
Clothing Walking
The tour includes long staircases and slopes. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Rainy Weather
The tour operates rain or shine. Please bring your own rain gear. In case of severe weather that makes safe operation difficult, the tour may be canceled.
Itinerary Changes
Stops and itinerary may change on the day due to ceremonies, events, or congestion.
Day-of Information
This tour does not mail travel documents or final itineraries. Please check the day-of information (final itinerary) from the “Reservation Details” link in your booking confirmation email.
Tour Operator
Registered Travel Agency with the Governor of Shiga Prefecture: No. 2-243
Full Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA)
Biwako Otsu Tourism Association
Civic Cultural Center 2F, 2-3 Goryo-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
