Hieizan Driveway

This 8.1 km toll road connects Tanotani Pass in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, to the summit of Mt. Hiei. Trees line the route as it runs across Mt. Hiei’s beautiful slopes, with stunning scenery that changes by season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, fall foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter. It’s a perfect spot to fully enjoy nature.

From the “Yumemigaoka” observation deck along the way, you can take in sweeping views of Lake Biwa, and on clear days you can even see the Lake Biwa Bridge and Okishima Island. There’s also a café terrace, so it’s a great place to take a break. In addition, there’s the summer-only beetle-watching spot “Kabutomushi no Ie” (Rhinoceros Beetle House), as well as a fully equipped area where you can enjoy BBQ while looking out over Lake Biwa.

Midway up the mountain is the historic Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, where you can visit halls such as Konpon Chudo, Shaka-do, and Yokawa Chudo, and try training experiences like sutra copying and zazen meditation. You’ll also find plenty of stops to drop by, including the casual resort hotel “L’Hotel de Hiei” and the “Garden Museum Hiei,” with gardens that spread out like an abstract painting landscape.