Mount Hiei (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Mount Hiei?
What makes it 58% Baby-Friendly: Cable cars fit carriers and Garden Museum rents strollers and has a nursing room, but most routes are steep, diaper tables are sparse, and long outdoor stretches strain infants.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly sections: Flat areas at stations and the observation deck allow stroller use comfortably.
- Baby care facilities: You can find nursing rooms at Garden Museum Hiei and Enryakuji Temple grounds.
Challenges:
- Limited changing tables: Stations have no diaper-changing tables; bring a portable changing pad.
- Ropeway winter closure: The ropeway closes Dec–Mar; plan alternative routes or adjust schedule.
What is Mount Hiei?
- A sacred peak rising 848 meters above sea level, overlooking Kyoto and Lake Biwa and revered as the guardian mountain of the ancient capital
- Home to Enryaku-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Buddhist sect, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A natural landmark defined by forested slopes, ancient Shinto shrines and historic Buddhist pilgrimage trails
What is so special about Mount Hiei for with baby?
- Scenic cable car and ropeway offer easy access and wide views.
- Garden Museum Hiei has stroller rental and gentle paths among flowers.
- Observation deck provides spacious spots for feeding and baby breaks.
- Local sweets at Hiei Saryo give quick, baby-friendly energy boosts.
- Baby-care rooms available at museum and temple grounds.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: This allows time for the cable car, observation deck, garden museum, and a snack break without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Mount Hiei
Eizan Cable Car & Ropeway Ride:
Ride the cable car from Yase to Hieizan Ropeway Station and switch to the ropeway up to the summit.
Tip: Use a baby carrier for easy boarding; cabins are spacious for strollers when not crowded.
Garden Museum Hiei Visit:
Stroll through six themed gardens with Japanese and Western flowers.
Tip: Rent a stroller at the ticket office; some paths have gravel so go slowly.
Yumemigaoka Observation Deck:
Stop at the flat deck for lake and Kyoto city views.
Tip: Use the café benches for feeding or diaper changes; bring a small blanket.
Hiei Saryo Snack Stop:
Grab Mitarashi-dango or matcha ice cream to refuel.
Tip: Order at the counter and step aside to eat with your baby in the outdoor seating.
When is the best time to visit Mount Hiei (Kyoto, Japan)?
April–May and October bring mild weather and colorful gardens; in winter (Dec–Mar) the ropeway may close and paths can be icy, so check ahead and dress warmly.
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Reviews of Mount Hiei (Kyoto)
Stacey Trock
A lesser known spot in Kyoto, and is definitely worth the visit! My Hiei is the home of Japanese Buddhism and so is steeped in history, gorgeous temples and amazing nature. Mt Hiei straddles the Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. The access from the Shiga prefecture offers stunning views of Lake Biwa, as well as the longest cable car in Japan, at over 2 kilometers. 🚃 Getting there: from Kyoto, take t...
Rach Vonk
Mount Hiei was the highlight of our honeymoon! The view from the top is breathtaking, and the calmness of the forest was unmatched. The hike is all incline so if you have mobility difficulties or breathing problems, account for that! Took us just over 2 hours with some breaks, and our thighs were feeling the burn. But the view from the top was worth it! I highly recommend checking out Enryakuji te...
Ruizhong Choo
The summit site itself does not have a good view, but the area near the gardens is definitely spectacular. Not many signs around so just look out for the paths
Katie W
One of the best places we visited in my Japan trip! We came here in autumn and the colours were stunning! The tram going up to the cable car was so picturesque! Absolutely recommend! There’s a cafe and large souvenir shop up there and they do treats there, I would recommend the mochi in red bean soup!
James Zhao
Wonderful place to hike up! Some parts were pretty muddy though, so definitely bring some boots. Absolutely beautiful if you catch it with some snow. If you enjoy the outdoors, I can’t recommend this highly enough! Full hike going up on the east side and down the west side took about 6.5 hours or so.
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cable car + ropeway round-trip | JPY 2,400 |
| Garden Museum Hiei tickets (2 adults) | JPY 2,400 |
| Pram rental at museum | JPY 300 |
| Snacks at Hiei Saryo | JPY 600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mount Hiei
- Start early: Arrive before 10:00 to avoid crowds and secure stroller-friendly cabin seats.
- Use baby carrier: Carry your baby for boarding steep cable car stairs where strollers struggle.
Map of Mount Hiei
Address: Mount Hiei, Ichijoji Idegadanichosenguchi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0000, Japan
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