The Mountain That Guards Kyoto

Mount Hiei sits on the border of Kyoto and was strategically positioned to protect the city from evil spirits arriving from the northeast. Its spiritual reputation is so profound that it anchored Japanese Buddhism for over a millennium.

In ancient Japanese geomancy, the northeast direction was considered the unlucky gateway for demons. To block these malevolent forces, the Enryaku-ji temple complex was built atop this mountain peak. The site became a powerhouse of religious study, eventually influencing the development of several major Buddhist sects. Today, this historic mountain remains a deeply revered site that blends natural beauty with ancient protective legends.