6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Sakamoto, Otsu City! The Temple Town of Enryakuji and Hiyoshi Shrine

Sakamoto, which flourished as the temple town of Hieizan Enryakuji and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This area is home to many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, making it an ideal destination for experiencing Japanese history and culture. It is also known for "Satobo," lodgings for retired monks who have completed their training, and just strolling through its nostalgic streets is enjoyable. Here, we have carefully selected some of the best historical tourist spots in Sakamoto. If you want to experience Japanese culture, be sure to check them out!

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Located at the foot of Mount Hiei, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine was founded in the 7th year of Emperor Sujin's reign. It serves as the head shrine of over 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sannō shrines across Japan. Since it is situated in the location of the "Omote-Kimon" (the front demon gate) of Kyoto, it has long been a place where people pray for protection from misfortune and disaster.

The shrine is famous for its "Sacred Monkey" (Masaru-san), believed to be a divine messenger. The name "Masaru" is a wordplay meaning "to drive away evil". You can see monkey carvings on the West Main Hall gate. The shrine’s "Masaru" charms are popular for their benefits in warding off evil, protection against misfortune, and bringing success.

Hiyoshi Taisha is also one of the best places to see autumn leaves in the Kansai region, with about 3,000 maple trees on its grounds. The best time to visit for autumn foliage is from around November 10 to early December. Take a stroll through the shrine grounds while admiring the vibrant autumn colors.

■ Access

【By Train】
About a 20-minute walk from JR Kosei Line Hieizan Sakamoto Station. About a 10-minute walk from Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station
【By Car】
About a 20-minute drive from Kyoto East Interchange

■ Parking

The shrine grounds have parking for up to 50 vehicles. Medium and large buses cannot enter the shrine premises and should use nearby tourist parking lots.

Kyū-Chikurin-in Garden

Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, Kyū-Chikurin-in Garden is one of the gardens in the Satobo district of Enryakuji Temple. It features a pond with a waterfall and an artificial hill, taking full advantage of the natural landscape to provide a beautiful seasonal view.

Within the garden, there are two tea rooms. One of them, called "Amanogawa-seki," is unique in that it has two entrances, allowing guests to sit on both sides of the host. Historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu are said to have enjoyed tea here.

■ Opening Hours

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

■ Closed

Mondays (Open on public holidays), The day after public holidays, December 26 – December 31

■ Admission Fee (As of December 2019)

・Adults: 330 yen
・Elementary School Students: 160 yen
・Seniors (65+ and residents of Otsu City): 220 yen
・Disabled visitors (residents of Otsu City, including one caregiver): Free
・Group Discount (15+ people): Adults 260 yen, Elementary School Students 130 yen

Kyū-Byakugō-in Garden

Kyū-Byakugō-in Garden, part of the Satobo district of Enryakuji Temple, is a pond garden created in the early Edo period. It is now part of the restaurant "Fuyōen," where visitors can enjoy meals while admiring the garden.

■ Access

【By Train】
About a 6-minute walk from Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line Sakamoto Station
【By Car】
About a 12-minute drive from Meishin Kyoto East Interchange via the Nishi-Otsu Bypass

■ Parking

If you dine at Fuyōen, parking for 10 cars and 3 large buses is available. If full, use the nearby Sakamoto tourist parking lot.

Shiga-in Monzeki

Shiga-in Monzeki is one of the largest "Satobo" (monastic residences) in the area, surrounded by stone walls and white walls. Its vast grounds house a two-story study hall, an inner Buddhist hall, and a main hall. The garden, which features a large 5-meter stone bridge over a pond, can be viewed from the veranda, offering a serene experience.

■ Admission Fee (As of December 2019)

・Adults: 450 yen
・Group Discount (30+ people): 400 yen

■ Access

【By Train】
Approximately a 5-minute walk from Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station on the Ishiyama Sakamoto Line. Approximately a 20-minute walk from Hieizan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line.
【By Car】
Approximately 10 minutes from the Shimosakamoto Interchange on the Kosei Road.

■ Parking

There is a parking lot with a capacity of 20 regular cars.

Saikyoji Temple

The correct name is Saikyoji (Tendai Shuhozan Kangohsan Kenposho Saikyoji). Founded by Jie Daishi Ryogen Shonin, it serves as a dojo for nenbutsu (Buddhist chanting), currently overseeing more than 400 branch temples nationwide.

During Oda Nobunaga's burning of Mount Hiei, the temple was destroyed. It was later restored by Akechi Mitsuhide, lord of Sakamoto Castle. In front of the main hall, on the west side, lies the grave of Akechi Mitsuhide and his family. Commemorative services are held annually on June 14th, the anniversary of Akechi Hidekatsu's death.

■ Admission Fees (as of December 2019)

・Adults: 500 yen
・Middle school students: 300 yen
・Elementary school students: 200 yen

■ Visiting Hours

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

■ Access

【By Train】
Approximately 30 minutes on foot from JR Kosei Line Biwako-Sakamoto Station.
【By Car】
Approximately 5 minutes from Sakamoto Kita Interchange.

Sakamoto Castle Ruins

Known as a water castle due to its location facing Lake Biwa, Sakamoto Castle was built by Akechi Mitsuhide during the Sengoku period. It was destroyed when Akechi Hidemitsu, a member of the defeated Akechi clan in the Battle of Yamazaki, set fire to it after killing his wife and children. Today, only a monument at the site remains for public viewing.

■ Access

【By Train】
Approximately 30 minutes on foot from JR Kosei Line Biwako-Sakamoto Station.
【By Car】
Approximately 20 minutes north on National Route 161 from Kyoto East Interchange.

■ Parking

Parking available for 10 cars at Sakamoto Castle Site Park.

Don’t Forget the Famous Soba Noodles

In exploring Sakamoto, renowned for its national treasures and important cultural properties, delicious cuisine is also essential. Among them, soba noodles are particularly famous, with numerous shops lining the streets.

■ Honke Tsuruki Soba

Honke Tsuruki Soba has been serving soba noodles in Sakamoto for over 300 years. The building is designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. It offers a wide variety of dishes, not limited to soba noodles, including rice dishes and various side dishes.

■ Hiyoshi Soba

Located along the approach to Hiyoshi Shrine, this shop offers fragrant, high-quality soba in a tranquil setting.