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Visitors to Kyoto who want to explore ancient architecture and Japanese culture should spend a day at Enryukuji Temple on the summit on Mountain Miei.

The temple was established by Saicho in 788 and is the Tendai Buddhism sect headquarters.

The monks at this UNESCO World Heritage Site are known as “marathon monks.” Enryukuji Temple once featured a vast complex of more than 3,000 buildings that were protected by warrior monks.

Visitors to the temple today can spend time at the kokuhoden Museum and the Eastern Pagoda Area. Some of the oldest buildings are found in the Western Pagoda Area such as the Shaka-do which contains an image of Buddha hand-carved by Saicho.

Enryukuji Temple, 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga, 520-0116, Phone: 07-75-78-00-01

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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