Mt. Hiei or “Hieizan” is one of the strongholds of Buddhism in Japan, offering scenic views, historic temples, and tough hiking trails!
Hiking in the Japanese summer is no picnic, but it’s also not as bad as you may think! I recently hiked up Mt. Hiei in the later part of July, arguably the hottest time of the year in Kyoto, Japan. It was definitely tougher than usual, but the greater altitudes and thick shady trees provided unexpected relief from the heat and humidity.
Brutal Beginnings
Honestly, the hardest part about hiking Mt. Hiei in the summer is getting to the start of the trail. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Sakamoto Hieizanguchi station and there’s practically no shade on the way.
This large flight of stairs is definitely the toughest bit, but at least it’s early on in the hike so you’ll be fresh for it! Don’t worry, this part is necessary to propel you to higher altitudes, and that’s when the humidity drops significantly and you’ll be surrounded by nature’s protective trees.
Quick Pit-Stop At Enryaku-ji
If you’re hiking Mt. Hiei, you need not purchase a ticket to see Enryaku-ji Temple, unless you intend to enter the main temple in which you will be asked to show your ticket (they cost 1,000 yen). The temple grounds are great for taking a rest before you finish the hike and reach Hieizan’s summit. There are vending machines, toilets, and shady sitting areas surrounding the beautiful structures of this UNESCO Heritage Site.
A Breezy Finish
It’s all cool breezes and lovely temperatures at the summit of Mt. Hiei! With stunning views of Kyoto’s mountain ranges that surround Lake Biwa, it truly is an area of peace and solitude, very suitable for the monks of this Buddhist stronghold.
It’s A Picnic After All!
I said earlier that hiking Mt. Hiei in the summer is no picnic, but then again, maybe it is! The summit of Hieizan is among my favorite picnic spots in Kyoto, offering beautiful scenery, clean sitting areas, shady trees, and cushiony grass. You’ll forget all about the painful heat waves of Japan’s brutal summer up here in the cool breezy mountains of Mt. Hiei!
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