Mount Hiei

What it is

• A mountain straddling Kyoto and Otsu consisting of two peaks, Ohie and Shimeigatake
• The headquarters of Tendai Buddhism known as Enryaku-ji Temple is located here
• A historic site mentioned in the Kojiki and nicknamed Miyako Fuji
• A major breeding ground for various species of birds

What to see

• Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine situated at the foot of the mountain
• Garden Museum Hiei located on the site of a former amusement park
• The Kirara-zaka trail used historically by monks and messengers
• Television and radio transmission towers serving the Kyoto area
• Views from the highest peak standing 848 meters above sea level

Getting there

• Visitors can reach the summit via cable car or ropeway

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.