This is the head temple of the Tendai Sect in the vast sacred area on Mt. Hiei. It started as a hermitage founded by Saicho on Mt. Hiei in the end of Nara Period. The precinct in the towering giant cedars has a dignified atmosphere as a monastery. On top of the mountain, there is the Todo area where Konponchudo is centered, Saito area where Shakado is centered and Yokawa area that was opened by Priest Ennin.