Step Up Your Mountain Skills: Frost Flower Hike on Mount Hiei

Grading: 

Embark on a hiking adventure to the frosty summit of Mount Hiei, adorned with exquisite frost flowers! Covering an 8km trail with an 800m elevation gain, this moderately challenging route is perfect for those looking to elevate their hiking skills. Note: Due to snow conditions, chain spikes or light crampons are mandatory. Starting from Shugakuin Station, the trail ascends via Kirara Hill, a steep path ideal for strengthening your legs. After about two hours, we’ll reach the HIEIZAN monument at Cable Hiei Station, where we'll take a lunch break. Restrooms are conveniently nearby. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views extending to Lake Biwa. In winter, the crisp air offers exceptional clarity, and on the summit, you may witness the shimmering frost flowers—a breathtaking natural spectacle. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Enryakuji Temple, a serene historical treasure that offers a chance for quiet reflection amidst the winter ambiance. The hike includes temple access without the usual ¥1,000 admission fee. After exploring, descend comfortably via the Enryakuji Cable Car, enjoying picturesque views of Lake Biwa through the windows.

Date
2025/2/14(Fri)
Meeting place
Near Seven-Eleven Kyoto Shugakuin-mae Store, Eizan Electric Railway Shugakuin Station
Meeting time
AM 9:20
Schedule
9:20 AM: Meet at Shugakuin Station; hike begins.

Kirara Hill trailhead.

12:00 PM: Cable Hiei Station (HIEIZAN Monument) – Lunch break.

Summit at Ōhiei.

Enryakuji Temple and Konponchūdō.

2:30 PM: Enryakuji Cable Station – Descend via cable car.

3:00 PM: Disband at Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station or JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station.
Entry fee
1500(ケーブルカー870円別途)yen
Capacity
15 people
What to bring / clothes
Hiking-appropriate clothing and footwear, lunch, beverages, chain spikes or light crampons, warm clothing.
Guide
Taichi

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