Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei

Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism

Enryakuji, founded by Saicho in 788, has over 1,200 years of history as the Tendai sect's head temple. It is revered as the "mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism" where founders of various Japanese Buddhist sects including Honen, Shinran, Dogen, and Nichiren trained in their youth.

Three Towers and Sixteen Valleys

Enryakuji has a vast precinct divided into "Three Towers (Todo, Saito, Yokawa)" and "Sixteen Valleys." The "Imperishable Dharma Flame" in Konponchudo (National Treasure) is said to have burned continuously for over 1,200 years since Saicho.

UNESCO World Heritage

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The mountain summit views overlooking both Lake Biwa and Kyoto are also spectacular.

Sennichi Kaihogyo

The most rigorous of Enryakuji's training practices, "Sennichi Kaihogyo" (Thousand-Day Walking), involves walking continuously through Mt. Hiei's mountains for 7 years. Those who complete it are called "Daiajari" and become among the most respected practitioners in Japan.