Mount Hiei | History and Legends A World Heritage Site Best Explored by Bus

Mount Hiei, located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga, is also known as the mountain where deities reside. The vast area is divided into regions such as the East Pagoda, West Pagoda, and Yokawa, requiring bus transportation to explore fully; otherwise, walking would be quite a challenge. This site is also historically significant as the location where Oda Nobunaga set fire to Mount Hiei. Viewing Mount Hiei through the lens of history adds a deeper sense of appreciation. The East Pagoda area features the Main Hall, the Manpuku Hall, and a bell tower where you can ring away 108 worldly desires. This area exudes grandeur, while the West Pagoda area is serene and green, resembling a hidden temple in the mountains. If you're starting from Kyoto, you can take the Keihan Electric Railway to Yase, transfer to a cable car up the mountain, and then switch to a bus. Along the way, you'll see the beautiful Lake Biwa. Another route is to ascend from Shiga, taking the Sakamoto Cable Car to reach the vicinity of the East Pagoda. It's recommended to dedicate a full day to experience the thousand-year-old charm of Mount Hiei.