Exploring Enryaku-ji Temple — Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nestled in the mountainous ranges of Kyoto’s Hieizan (Mt. Hiei), Enryaku-ji Temple is one of the most significant sites in Japanese history.
During my recent hike up Mt. Hiei, I was amazed to stumble upon a UNESCO World Heritage Site as I approached the mountain’s summit. Enryaku-ji is one of Kyoto’s oldest Tendai temples (Shinto-Buddhism) and is part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” category.
Beautiful Architecture
In many ways, the color scheme and architecture of Enryaku-ji temple reminded me of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, one of Japan’s most popular shrines also located in Kyoto.
The color scheme of reddish-orange (or vermillion) is believed to counteract evil spirits and is used in most shrines across Japan.
Personally, I loved walking through the corridors of Enryaku-ji temple and feeling like I’d gone back in time to the samurai days.
