Hiei-san cannot be missed as it commands the Western mountain ridge of Kyoto.
It offers great views over Kyoto and to the East over Lake Biwa. Once it was densely populated with temples.
But as the monks became too powerful, Oda Nobunaga destroyed them all.
Today there is a number of temples restituted and they are home of the famous marathon monks of Mount Hiei.
If you want to spot one, you should get up very early.
The temples on top of Hiei-san are worth a stroll around.
Both from West and East there are cable cars running to the top. For the Western one, take Eizan railway from Demachiyanagi. The station is at the last stop (Hieizanguchi). Unfortunately there is no path for walking from there. For hiking get off a few stops earlier at Shugakuin.
The climb should not take more than 3 hours.
From Shugakuin follow a small river running East -- at the edge of the forest catch a trail climbing steeply to the left -- follow the ridge
Besides the Yamachizu, Kyoto Kitayama map, there is a set of four maps for the 100km trail around the North of Kyoto. The Northwestern one is best for this hike and can be bought in most outdoor stores in Kyoto.
At many points South of Shugakuin you can climb the Western ridge and hit the path running along the ridge. Daimonji is a nice starting point that will take 2-3 hours more.
It is also possible to catch a trail East just where you reach the ridge from Shugakuin. It will take you to the other side and a path that passes by several temples on the way. Then come down the direct way.
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