Saicho (September 15, 767 – June 26, 822) is a Japanese Buddhist monk credited with founding the Tendai school in Japan, based around the Chinese Tiantai tradition he was exposed to during his trip to China beginning in 804.

He founds the temple and headquarters of Tendai at Enryaku-ji on Mt.

Hiei near Kyoto.

He is also said to have been the first to bring tea to Japan.

After his death, he is awarded the posthumous title of Dengyo Daishi.