Mount Hiei (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mount Hiei?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enjoy Japan’s longest cable car, open decks, and impressionist garden displays, yet many stairs, uneven paths, and limited indoor play cut the comfort, so plan breaks.
Positives:
- Easy Access: Cable car and ropeway require minimal walking with kids.
- Wide Open Spaces: Observation decks and gardens let kids run safely.
- Cultural Experience: Temple grounds teach children about local history.
Challenges:
- Steep Temple Stairs: Enryakuji halls have steps; hold younger kids’ hands.
- Limited Dining: Only one café on summit; bring extra snacks.
- Winter Closures: Cycle monorail and some trails close late Nov–Mar.
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 kids?
- Thrilling cable car and ropeway rides through forest.
- Interactive art gardens with stroller-friendly paths.
- Observation decks and outdoor play areas for kids.
- Temple grounds offer safe open courtyards to explore.
- Seasonal blooms and foliage add extra delight.
Recommended visit duration: 4-5 hours
Why 4-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for cable car rides, temple visits, garden strolls and kid breaks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mount Hiei
Eizan Cable Car & Ropeway:
Ride through forest tunnels and enjoy Lake Biwa views.
Tip: Buy a round-trip ticket at Yase Station to save time.
Garden Museum Hiei:
Walk six themed gardens with outdoor art reproductions.
Tip: Visit April–November for full flower displays; use stroller rental on gravel paths.
Yumemigaoka Observation Deck & Cycle Monorail:
Run on the open deck then pedal a monorail car through trees.
Tip: Cycle monorail costs ¥300 per person; check winter closure (Nov–Mar).
Hiei Saryo Snack Stop:
Share mitarashi-dango and matcha soft serve for energy.
Tip: Order early around 11am to avoid afternoon lines.
Summit Picnic:
Use summit benches for a quick family lunch.
Tip: Pack sandwiches and water; benches near the café offer shade.
When is the best time to visit Mount Hiei (Kyoto, Japan)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms; summer has cool mountain air; autumn offers foliage views; cycle monorail and some paths close in winter (Nov–Mar).
Explore These Activities
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 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cable Car & Ropeway round-trip (per person) | JPY 1,660 |
| Garden Museum Hiei admission (2 adults + 2 kids) | JPY 3,600 |
| Cycle Monorail rides (4 people) | JPY 1,200 |
| Snacks at Hiei Saryo (4 items) | JPY 1,400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,860 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mount Hiei
- Buy Combo Tickets: Use a joint cable car + ropeway ticket to skip lines.
- Start Early: Arrive by 9am to avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Pack Light: Carry a small backpack with water and snacks for kids.
Map of Mount Hiei
Address: Mount Hiei, Ichijoji Idegadanichosenguchi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0000, Japan
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