This particular building actually has two different pins on Google Maps. One is for Enryaku-ji, and another one is for Konpon-chūdō (the main hall).

Enryaku-ji is an iconic Buddhist Temple complex located on Mount Hiei, founded in 788 by the monk Saichō. Back in the days, it was really huge and consisted of 3,000 sub-temples and had its own army of warrior monks. Actually, the whole complex was destroyed in 1571 by a powerful Daimyo (feudal lord) named Oda Nobunaga because the Temple sided with his enemies (long story short). But after Oda Nobunaga's death, monks began to return to the mountain to restore the Temple.

It is deemed as the Birthplace of Japanese Buddhism and is now a part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site.

Konpon-chūdō is the main hall of Enryaku-ji Temple (Photography is not allowed inside). It is one of the oldest and most important wooden buildings in Japan, and it has been designated a National Treasure. Since 2016 it has been under reconstruction until 2026/27. The whole building is covered by a metal construction and basically cannot be seen from outside, but you can still go inside (NO extra fee required), which I totally recommend doing anyway. The atmosphere is second to none, and it feels sacred, which I suppose is quite obvious considering its religious significance in Japan. Check the 1st minute of this YouTube Video to see how it looked before the reconstruction and how it looks now.

Besides being visually impressive (inside), it also has three large brass lanterns containing eternal candle flames (Fumetsu no hoto) that were lit by Priest Saicho himself. Named the “Inextinguishable Dharma Lamp,” the flames have been burning continuously for over 1,200 years.

There is a specific way of worshipping inside Konpon-chūdō (of course only if you would like to; it is totally optional):

1. Bow with your palms pressed together (do not clap. You clap only in Shinto shrines) in front of the main altar;

2. Place a coin in the offering box;

3. Offer incense - take a pinch of incense from the incense container, using the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Raise the pinch of incense to the level of your forehead, the head slightly bowed and the eyes closed. Next, lower the incense and drop it on the charcoal in the censer (incense burner). It is up to you to do this from one to three times.