Mount Shosha (書写山), located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is home to Engyoji Temple (円教寺), a sprawling temple complex with a history dating back to 966. The temple is renowned for its picturesque setting amidst lush forests and its significant cultural and historical value.
The Engyo-ji temple complex encompasses numerous buildings and structures spread across the mountainside, including the Daikodo (大講堂), Maniden (摩尼殿), Jikido (食堂), and Niomon Gate (仁王門). Visitors can reach the temple complex by taking a ropeway from the base of the mountain or hiking up the scenic trails.
Engyo-ji is famous for being a filming location for several movies and TV dramas, most notably the Hollywood film “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise. Visitors can explore the temple buildings and gardens featured in the movie, immersing themselves in the film’s atmosphere.
Beyond its cultural and historical significance, Mount Shosha is also a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The mountain is covered in dense forests and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Himeji and Himeji Castle.
To reach Mount Shosha, visitors can take a train to Himeji Station and then a bus to the ropeway station at the base of the mountain. From there, they can take the ropeway or embark on a scenic hike to reach the Engyoji Temple complex.
Engyoji Temple
| Hours | Winter / 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Spring – Fall / 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (extended hours on Sundays and holidays) |
| Admission | Junior high school students and above: 500 yen Elementary school students: 300 yen |
| Phone | +81 79-266-3327 |
| Address | 2968 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2201 |
