Mount Hiei Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Hiei
比叡山
The view from Kyoto with Cherry blossoms. (April 2005)
Highest point
Elevation	848.1 m (2,782 ft)
Listing	List of mountains and hills of Japan by height
Geography
Location	Honshū, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Topo map	Geographical Survey Institute 25000:1 京都東北部, 50000:1 京都及大阪

Mount Hiei (比叡山, Hiei-zan) is a famous mountain in Japan. It is located to the northeast of Kyoto city. The mountain sits right on the border between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.

Mount Hiei is 848.1 meters (about 2,782 feet) tall. It is known for its beautiful nature and important history. Many people visit it for its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.

A Mountain of Stories and Beliefs
- Enryaku-ji Temple: A Center of Learning
- The Marathon Monks
Exploring Mount Hiei
Images for kids
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A Mountain of Stories and Beliefs

Mount Hiei has appeared in many old folk tales throughout history. For a long time, people believed it was a special place. They thought it was home to both gods and demons from the Shinto religion.

Enryaku-ji Temple: A Center of Learning

The most famous place on Mount Hiei is Enryaku-ji. This is a very important Buddhist temple. It was founded in the year 788 by a monk named Saichō. He was a key figure in Japanese Buddhism.

Enryaku-ji became one of the most powerful and influential temples in Japan. It was a major center for studying Buddhism. Many famous monks studied there over the centuries. These monks later started their own schools of Buddhism.

The Marathon Monks

Mount Hiei is also famous for its "marathon monks." These monks practice a very difficult spiritual training. It involves walking long distances, sometimes for many years. This challenging journey is called the kaihōgyō. It is a way for them to achieve enlightenment.

Exploring Mount Hiei

Today, Mount Hiei is a popular spot for visitors. You can reach the top by cable car or ropeway. Once there, you can explore the temple grounds. There are many beautiful buildings and peaceful gardens.

The mountain offers amazing views of Kyoto and Lake Biwa. It is a great place to learn about Japanese history and culture. It is also perfect for enjoying nature.