Autumn leaves on Mt. Hiei, and a sight you can only see now. On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Enryaku-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage temple in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, offers a one-day program combining a tour of the major restoration of the Konpon Chudo (a national treasure) with special visits to buildings that are normally closed. It is one of the special programs of the 4th Japan Annual-International Art Festival.
Inside the temporary roof, up close to the freshly re-roofed building
The highlight is the tour of the Konpon Chudo restoration, under way since 2016 (Heisei 28). Described as one of the largest cultural-property conservation projects in Japan, it lets you step inside the temporary construction roof that is normally off-limits. You can see the re-roofed roof, the carvings repainted in color, and the eaves up close. Helmets are worn during the tour.
The temporary roof is due to be dismantled in the future. The organizers say this is the only time to see the dazzling exterior just before the work is finished. Being there for the final stage of a restoration is not something that comes around often.
The Eternal Flame, within reach only while the hall is closed
Because the Konpon Chudo is closed for the work, the principal image’s stand-in, the statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), and the “Eternal Dharma Light” that has burned for 1,200 years are specially enshrined in the Manpaido. During the tour of the grounds, you can see both up close, but only while the main hall is closed.
A shojin kaiseki lunch, the normally closed Daishoin, and zazen
After the tour comes lunch at the Enryaku-ji Kaikan: a shojin kaiseki meal, the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine eaten by devotees since the Nara period. In the afternoon, you visit the Daishoin, east of the Konpon Chudo. A Registered Tangible Cultural Property, it serves as Enryaku-ji’s guest hall. It was moved from the “Sanno-so” villa in Akasaka, Tokyo, for an imperial visit by Emperor Showa, and was designed by Dr. Goichi Takeda, known as the “father of modern architecture in Kansai.” The shoin-style complex includes an entrance wing with a karahafu (curved gable) carriage porch and a living wing with a moon-viewing terrace.
The program ends with zazen (seated meditation). Enryaku-ji provides the cushions, and anyone who finds sitting on the floor difficult can join on a chair.
The lunch photo is an illustration, so the actual dishes may differ.
Event details
- Date and time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 10:00–14:00
- Venue: Enryaku-ji, Tendai head temple and World Heritage site (4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu, Shiga)
- Fee: ¥10,000 per person (tax included)
- Schedule: 10:00 meet at Enryaku-ji Kaikan / 10:15 Konpon Chudo restoration tour / 11:45 lunch (shojin kaiseki) / 12:45 Daishoin visit and zazen / 14:00 end
- Access: about 25 minutes by taxi from Otsukyo Station (JR Kosei Line). If you take the cable car, tell the pilgrimage reception desk you are with the “Japan Annual-International Art Festival” and the pilgrimage fee is waived. Cars and taxis can drive to the front of Enryaku-ji Kaikan; tell the guardhouse the same
- Organizer: Yumeshima New Industry and City Creation Organization (inquiries: +81-6-6136-8803)
- Website (Japanese): https://yumeshimakikou.org/jiaf4-2026/jiaf2026-enryakuji/ (apply here)
