From the summit of Mount Hiei (比叡山), the city below is perfectly framed by the towering cedar trees that line the mountain. This breathtaking view offers a peaceful contrast between the natural beauty of the mountain and the bustling city life of Ōtsu (大津) and Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), Japan’s largest freshwater lake.

Hieizan is known not only for its stunning vistas but also for its spiritual significance. The mountain is home to Enryaku-ji (延暦寺), the headquarters of Tendai Buddhism, which has stood here for over a thousand years. The harmony between nature, spirituality, and urban life is captured in this scene, where the serenity of the mountain meets the vibrancy of the city below.