Muslim Friendly Japan
Enryaku-ji Temple (Mt. Hiei)

Enryaku-ji Temple (Mt. Hiei)

UNESCO World Heritage

延暦寺（比叡山延暦寺）

Enryaku-ji is a large temple on Mt. Hiei, with Kyoto to the west and Lake Biwa to the east, and it is part of the World Heritage site. The monk Saicho founded it in 788, and many famous monks studied here. The grounds cover about 1,700 hectares, with around 100 halls in three areas: Todo, Saito and Yokawa. In Konpon Chudo, the main hall, a lamp called the "Eternal Light" has burned for 1,200 years. One ticket covers all three areas, and the trip from Kyoto takes about 70 minutes.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

Todo area: 9:00–16:00 all year. Saito and Yokawa areas: 9:00–16:00 (March–November), 9:30–16:00 (December–February). Last entry 15:45.

Admission

Common ticket for Todo, Saito and Yokawa: adults 1,000 yen, junior high/high school students 600 yen, elementary students 300 yen.

National Treasure Hall (museum), separate ticket: adults 500 yen, junior high/high school students 300 yen, elementary students 100 yen.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station or Keihan Sanjo Station, take the Hieizan Drive Bus to Enryakuji Bus Center (about 70 minutes in total).

Or from Demachiyanagi Station: Eizan Railway to Yase-Hieizanguchi, then Eizan Cable Car, Eizan Ropeway and a shuttle bus to Enryakuji Bus Center (about 70 minutes in total).

Time needed

Allow 1 hour or more for the Todo area, and 40 minutes or more each for Saito and Yokawa. A shuttle bus links the areas.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

  • Closing time may be earlier because of storms or snow, and entry to halls may be limited during ceremonies.
  • The temple is on Mt. Hiei, on the border of Otsu City (Shiga) and Sakyo Ward (Kyoto City).

Tips for Muslim visitors

  • Enryaku-ji is made up of more than 100 buildings spread over Mt. Hiei's 1,700 hectares, divided into three areas (To-do, Sai-to and Yokawa), so seeing it all takes time.
  • The Hieizan Shuttle Bus connects the three areas, but it does not run from early December to late March.
  • Entry to the halls may be restricted during Buddhist services or events.
  • Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
  • Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
  • Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
  • Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
  • Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.

Prayer times in Kyoto

Today (5 Nov 2026)

  1. Fajr04:45
  2. Sunrise06:21
  3. Dhuhr11:43
  4. Asr14:37
  5. Maghrib16:59
  6. Isha18:25

Times are calculated for central Kyoto. Times may differ elsewhere in Kyoto.

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Places to pray near Enryaku-ji Temple (Mt. Hiei)

All places to pray in Kyoto →

Halal food near Enryaku-ji Temple (Mt. Hiei)

We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:

Distances and walking times are estimates based on straight-line distance.

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Photo: PlusMinus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): hieizan.or.jp, pref.kyoto.jp, japan.travel