Yase, Kyoto
Head to the summit of Mt. Hiei using the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway from Yase, Kyoto, a spot at the western base of Mt. Hiei which is famous for getting away from the summer heat. Boasting a height difference of 561 meters between stations, the Eizan Cable Car allows majestic scenery to be enjoyed in all seasons, including cherry blossoms, verdant greenery, and crimson leaves. After changing to the ropeway it is only three minutes to the summit. Enjoy a flight through the air from which you can look out over Kyoto city. (Does not operate between early January and mid-March).
Travel by Bus
From Ropeway Mt. Hiei Summit Station, board the shuttle bus that travels across Mt. Hiei and head to the To-do area, the central region for worship at Enryakuji Temple (fare required; takes five minutes; does not operate between early January and mid-March).
To-do
Enryakuji Temple is a world heritage site that has more than 100 buildings across Mt. Hiei. The temple started out from the area called To-do. The main temple, the Konpon Chu-do hall, is a designated national treasure, and is also known as the "eternal light of Buddhism" due to a candle that has burned inside for more than 1200 years. There are also other historical halls and temples to see here.
Enjoy a Meal at Tsuruki Soba
Within the To-do area of Enryakuji Temple there are restaurants where you can eat famous soba (buckwheat) noodles with 300 years of history from Sakamoto, the gateway town to Mt. Hiei. The two locations are inside the Enryakuji Temple Bus Center and inside the Ichigukaikan. You can also purchase dry noodles and the simply-flavored confectionery called soba boro as souvenirs.
