Hieizan Enryakuji Temple: The foundation of Japanese Buddhism. History of Tendai sect and cultural base of esoteric Buddhism│Shiga

Overview and history of Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, located in Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, which covers the entirety of Mt. Hiei, which has an altitude of 848 meters.

Founded by Saicho in the early Heian period, this temple is an important head temple of the Japanese Tendai sect, and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai.

Enryakuji Temple is also known for being registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the cultural assets of the ancient capital of Kyoto.