After a short walk, we board the Sakamoto Cable Car, Japan’s longest cable car ride. As we ascend the mountainside, stunning views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, unfold beneath us. The ride offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes, making for a truly breathtaking experience. Reaching the top, we begin our exploration of the legendary Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the honzan (head temple) of Tendai Buddhism. Founded by the monk Saichō in the 8th century, this temple played a significant role in shaping Japan’s religious traditions. We will visit the Konpon Chudo, the temple’s grand hall, as well as Shaka-do and Amida-do, where centuries-old rituals still take place. We’ll discuss the temple’s tumultuous history, including its destruction by Oda Nobunaga during the 16th century. We begin our descent via cable car, taking in one last panoramic view of the valley below before returning to the base of the mountain.