learn/[id]

建築
5 分で読める
比
ARCHITECTURE
Enryakuji Temple and Tendai Buddhism: Visiting the Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism
Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei, founded by Saicho, is the head temple of Tendai Buddhism and the spiritual mother of Japanese Buddhism, with three distinct temple complexes: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa.
聖
Author
Hijiri
| Shrines & Temples
Contents
MOKUJI
一
Tendai Buddhism and Mt. Hiei
›
二
The Three Temple Complexes
›
三
Hiyoshi Taisha and Shinto-Buddhist Syncretism
›
四
The Burning and Rebuilding
›
五
Visiting Tips
›
Tendai Buddhism and Mt. Hiei
Tendai Buddhism (Tendaishu) is a school founded on the Lotus Sutra, systematized by the Chinese monk Zhiyi (Chigi). Its core principle is the ichijo (one vehicle) teaching — the idea that all sentient beings can equally attain enlightenment. Saicho (767–822) brought this comprehensive Buddhist system to Japan after studying in China, establishing his practice center on Mt. Hiei in 788.
Enryakuji gradually became known as the ‘mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism.’ Honen, Shinran, Dogen, Nichiren, and Eisai — the founders of the major Kamakura-period Buddhist schools — all studied here before establishing their own traditions.
The Three Temple Complexes
Enryakuji is divided into three areas: Todo (East Pagoda), Saito (West Pagoda), and Yokawa. Each has distinct architectural character and religious significance.
Area
Main Hall
Character
Todo
Konpon Chudo, Daiko-do, Kaidan-in
Central precinct with the Eternal Flame
Saito
Shakado (Tenpo-rindo), Jogyodo, Hokedo
Training halls with the unique Ninai-do corridor
Yokawa
Yokawa Chudo, Eshin-do, Ganzan Daishi-do
Site associated with Genshin and Ryogen
The Konpon Chudo (Root Central Hall) is the main hall of Enryakuji. The current structure was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1642. Its distinctive ‘sunken inner sanctuary’ (anagura-zukuri) design means worshippers naturally meet the gaze of the enshrined Yakushi Nyorai at eye level. The Eternal Flame (fumetsu no hoto), said to have burned continuously since Saicho lit it, illuminates the inner sanctum.
Hiyoshi Taisha and Shinto-Buddhist Syncretism
At the foot of Mt. Hiei stands Hiyoshi Taisha, the guardian shrine of Enryakuji. This relationship embodies shinbutsu-shugo — Japan’s unique tradition of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. Tendai developed ‘Sanno Ichijitsu Shinto,’ a theology interpreting the deity Okuninushi as a manifestation (suijaku) of the Buddha Shakyamuni.
Hiyoshi Taisha’s main halls are built in the distinctive Hie-zukuri style and are designated National Treasures. The view of Mt. Hiei from the shrine approach captures the medieval Japanese religious cosmos where gods and buddhas coexisted.
Nearby Takebe Taisha, Taga Taisha, and the island temple Hogonji on Lake Biwa complete a sacred landscape that radiated from Enryakuji as its center.
The Burning and Rebuilding
In 1571, Oda Nobunaga burned all of Enryakuji’s buildings to the ground. Most of the current structures were rebuilt under the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Iemitsu. This cycle of destruction and renewal is itself embodied in the Eternal Flame — which was preserved by a branch flame in Kyoto and returned after the rebuilding.
Visiting Tips
•
Begin at Konpon Chudo in Todo at dawn for the quietest experience
•
Use the shuttle bus to travel between the three complexes (3–4 hours total on foot)
•
Combine with Hiyoshi Taisha via the Sakamoto Cable for a full mountain-to-shrine pilgrimage
Last updated: May 2026
延暦寺, related to 比叡山延暦寺と天台宗
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
日吉大社, related to 比叡山延暦寺と天台宗
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
建部大社, related to 比叡山延暦寺と天台宗
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
多賀大社, related to 比叡山延暦寺と天台宗
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
巌金山 宝厳寺, related to 比叡山延暦寺と天台宗
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
最澄, related to 比叡山延暦寺と天台宗
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
── 了 ──
聖
Author
Hijiri（ひじり）
Shrines & Temples
Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.
›
This article was
♡ Helpful
⤴
Key Figures
S
Saichō
Founder of Tendai Buddhism / Dengyo Daishi
›
詣
Visit Related Places
History truly comes alive when you visit in person. Choose your next destination from the related sites and pilgrimage courses below.
1. Enryakuji
World Heritage 'mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism' founded by Saicho — birthplace of Honen, Shinran, Dogen, Nichiren
›
2. Hiyoshi Taisha
Head of about 3,800 Hiyoshi and Sanno shrines — guardian 'Sanno Gongen' of Enryaku-ji and origin of Sanno Shinto, with two National Treasure main halls
›
3. Takebe Taisha
Ichinomiya of Ōmi Province enshrining the legendary hero Yamato Takeru — where Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for the restoration of the Minamoto clan; Engishiki Myōjin Taisha
›
4. Taga Taisha
'Visit Taga after Ise — Taga is the parent of Ise' — Ōmi Province's grand shrine of longevity and matchmaking, with deep ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi
›
5. Gankonsan Hogon-ji
Thirtieth temple of the Saigoku 33 — oldest of Japan's Three Great Benzaiten on Chikubu Island, Lake Biwa, with a National-Treasure Karamon and Fushimi-Castle Kannon Hall
›
Pilgrimage Course
Shinbutsu Reijo Pilgrimage
Visit 150 sites
›
Pilgrimage Course
Shin-Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
Visit 38 sites
›
I C H I G O I C H I E
📱
Explore pilgrimage with the app
Download on the App Store
✕