Enryaku-ji

This temple was founded by Saicho, and I learned this religious sect called Tendaishu has strict disciple compared with other Buddhist temples. My mother’s parental house believed True Pure Land sect called Jodo-​Shinshu. At the memorial service of my grandma, Buddhist priest said to me trainee monks of Tendaishu can eat only one meal a day. But its vegetarian diet was so delicious and nutritious that it satisfied their bellies. By the way the Buddhist monk of our religious sect ate fish and meat to his heart content, even drank beer! Their sect was not so strict and allowed them to do so. I am sure that each sect has each mind. Therefore if I became a nun, I would choose True Pure Land sect.
Sorry, back to the main topic, Enryakuji temple is located in the Mt. Hiei, the border of Kyoto and Shiga. I have long been skeptical whether its address is in Shiga or in Kyoto. Correctly in Shiga. We can see the panorama of Kyoto city and Lake Biwa. It is inconvenient if you don’t come here by car. If you come here to use public transportation, you may get on a cable car or bus. The easiest way to arrive here is to get on a bus at JR Kyoto station, Keihan Sanjyo or Demachiyanagi station. You need not change transportation.
It is also a famous spot for hikers. However it seems to be dangerous if a young lady hikes the mountain alone. In the past some miserable accidents happened.
It boasts vast ground with about 150 halls, where I couldn’t see the whole temple in a day. In the battleship period there were more than 3000 temples. But do you know this temple was set fired by Nobunaga Oda, and Buddhist halls were burnt down to ashes? Terrible incident! Later it was restored with the support of other warriors such as Hideyoshi Toyotomi or relatives of Tokugawa family. Now it was designated as world heritage. I enjoyed not only its scenic beauty but also historical valuables.
Note: Every year night worshipping was held during summer season, but this year it is regrettably not held. The illuminated lit up in the mountain was a taste for summer and must for sightseers.