Overview
HIEIZAN ENRYAKUJI THREE AREAS TOUR
Todo, Saito, Yokawa.
Experience all three areas of Hieizan Enryakuji in one day.
The vast World Heritage site of Hieizan Enryakuji comprises three distinct areas—Todo, Saito, and Yokawa—each with its own unique history and spiritual landscape. This tour takes you through all three areas in a single day.
In Todo, visit the central temple complex; in Saito, explore Jodoin, Ninai-do, and Shakado; and in Yokawa, discover Yokawa Chudo and Ganzan Daishi-do. Local guides will meet you in each area to introduce the distinct character of all three sacred precincts.
THREE SACRED AREAS
Experience the unique history and atmosphere of each area.
Todo, home to the central temple complex; Saito, a tranquil training ground; and Yokawa, nestled deep in the mountains. Though all part of Enryakuji, each of the three areas offers its own distinct scenery and ambiance.
Travel between areas independently via shuttle bus or private vehicle. In each area, a local guide will meet you and introduce the main highlights.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
In Todo, enjoy special worship opportunities available only during renovation
At the National Treasure Konponchudo, view the major renovation work up close from the special observation platform constructed for the construction period.
Additionally, at Manbaido, the standing image of Yakushi Nyorai—the principal deity of Konponchudo—and the Eternal Dharma Light, burning continuously for 1,200 years since the temple’s founding, are specially enshrined. After experiencing Todo’s current state, continue on to Saito and Yokawa.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Todo | Visit the central temple complex, including Daikodo, the National Treasure Konponchudo, and Manbaido
Saito | Explore the tranquil training grounds, including Jodoin, Ninai-do, and Shakado
Yokawa | Journey to the sacred mountain site, including Yokawa Chudo and Ganzan Daishi-do
All three areas in one day | Travel independently between areas, with local guides introducing each location
Basic Information
- Tour Dates
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September 1 – December 6, 2026 (excluding November)
- Time
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(Meeting at Cable Enryakuji Station) 9:15 AM – 2:25 PM
(Meeting at Enryakuji Bus Center) 9:30 AM – 2:25 PM - Meeting Point
- Capacity
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10 participants (minimum 2 participants required)
- Price
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9,200 yen (when 2 or more participants) / 13,600 yen (single participant tour)
《Included》Admission fees, lunch, souvenir, 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 join and the tour reaches the minimum of 2 or more, the price difference will be refunded.
*Transportation within the temple grounds is not included. Please use the shuttle bus or private vehicle to move between areas.
Itinerary
9:15 AM Cable Enryakuji Station / 9:30 AM Enryakuji Bus Center / Meet →
9:45 AM – 10:50 AM Todo / Daikodo, Konponchudo Observation Platform, Manbaido 〈Guided tour〉 →
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM Saito / Ninai-do, Shakado, Jodoin 〈Guided tour〉 →
12:15 PM – 1:10 PM Minemichi / Lunch & Shopping →
1:25 PM – 2:25 PM Yokawa / Yokawa Chudo, Ganzan Daishi-do 〈Guided tour〉 / Tour concludes, on-site dismissal
*Travel between areas is self-guided via shuttle bus or private vehicle.
*For your return, the 2:30 PM shuttle bus from Yokawa is recommended.
*Times and itinerary may vary due to crowds, ceremonies, weather, or other factors.
Additional Details
HOW TO JOIN
Guides wait at each area; travel at your own pace
This program does not include a guide accompanying you on the bus. Local guides will meet you at the designated meeting point in each of the three areas—Todo, Saito, and Yokawa—and provide guided tours of that area. After each tour concludes, you will travel independently to the next area via shuttle bus or private vehicle. We provide information on travel times and shuttle schedules, making this program accessible even for first-time visitors.
TODO AREA
9:45 AM – 10:50 AM | Todo Area 〈Guided tour〉
① Daikodo (Important Cultural Property)
This is the hall where monks study the Lotus Sutra through lectures and debates. It enshrines the founders of various Buddhist sects, reflecting the role Hieizan has played in Japanese Buddhism.
② Konponchudo (National Treasure) Observation Platform Visit
The main hall of Hieizan Enryakuji. Currently undergoing major renovation, interior worship is suspended. However, visitors can view the renovation work up close from a special observation platform at roof level—a rare opportunity available only during the construction period.
③ Limited Time | Special Worship at Manbaido
Due to the Konponchudo renovation, the Eternal Dharma Light—burning continuously for 1,200 years since the temple’s founding—and the standing image of the principal deity, Yakushi Nyorai, are specially enshrined at Manbaido. This is a unique opportunity to worship them up close, available only during the construction period.
Around 10:50 AM, after the Todo tour concludes, travel independently to the next area, Saito.
Travel time: approx. 20 minutes
Shuttle bus: Depart Enryakuji Bus Center 11:08 AM → Arrive Saito 11:11 AM
Or travel by private vehicle.
SAITO AREA
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM | Saito Area 〈Guided tour〉
④ Ninai-do (Important Cultural Property)
Two identical halls—Hokkedo and Jogyodo—connected by a corridor, forming a beautiful architectural ensemble. The name “Ninai-do” (Shoulder-Pole Halls) comes from the legend that the warrior monk Benkei carried both halls on a shoulder pole.
⑤ Shakado (Important Cultural Property)
The main hall of Saito and the oldest surviving building at Enryakuji. Here you can experience the serene atmosphere of Saito, distinct from the bustle of Todo.
⑥ Jodoin
The mausoleum of Saicho, founder of Enryakuji, and one of the most sacred sites on Hieizan. Monks undergoing the rigorous twelve-year mountain retreat continue daily cleaning and devotional service here.
Around 12:05 PM, after the Saito tour concludes, travel independently to Minemichi for lunch.
Travel time: approx. 10 minutes
Shuttle bus: Depart Saito 12:11 PM → Arrive Minemichi 12:15 PM
Or travel by private vehicle.
LUNCH AT MINEMICHI
12:15 PM – 1:10 PM | Minemichi 〈Scenic Lunch Shopping〉
Enjoy lunch at Minemichi Restaurant, which offers sweeping views of Lake Biwa. After your meal, relax with shopping or rest during this midpoint break in your journey.
Around 1:10 PM, travel independently to the next area, Yokawa.
Travel time: approx. 10 minutes
Shuttle bus: Depart Minemichi 1:15 PM → Arrive Yokawa 1:21 PM
Or travel by private vehicle.
YOKAWA AREA
1:25 PM – 2:25 PM | Yokawa Area 〈Guided tour〉
⑦ Yokawa Chudo
The main hall of the Yokawa area. Its distinctive stage-style architecture is modeled after a Tang Dynasty envoy ship, and its vivid vermilion color stands out beautifully among the trees.
⑧ Ganzan Daishi-do
This hall enshrines Ganzan Daishi (Ryogen), known as the originator of modern omikuji (fortune slips) and revered as a protector against misfortune. Here you can experience the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of Yokawa, distinct from Todo and Saito.
Around 2:25 PM, after all guided tours conclude, the tour ends with on-site dismissal at Yokawa.
Travel after dismissal
Shuttle bus: Depart Yokawa 2:30 PM
Arrive Enryakuji Bus Center 2:43 PM / Arrive Todo/Sakamoto Cable entrance 2:44 PM
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please review before joining
Regarding interior worship at Konponchudo
Interior worship at Konponchudo is currently suspended due to major renovation work. The standing image of Yakushi Nyorai and the Eternal Dharma Light can be worshiped at Manbaido.
Regarding travel between areas
Travel between Todo, Saito, and Yokawa is self-guided via shuttle bus or private vehicle. Guides do not accompany participants on buses or during travel.
Regarding clothing and walking
The itinerary includes long staircases and slopes. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Regarding rainy weather
The tour operates rain or shine. Please bring your own rain gear. However, the tour may be canceled if severe weather makes safe operation impossible.
Regarding itinerary changes
Stops and schedule may change due to ceremonies, crowds, weather, or other factors.
Regarding tour information
This tour does not mail travel documents or final itineraries. Please check your tour details (final itinerary) via 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
