basic information

Mount Shosha (Shoshazan) is the site of Engyoji, an atmospheric temple complex with a history of over 1000 years. Located at the edge of Himeji City, the mountain can be accessed in only 30 minutes from the city center by bus and ropeway.

Engyoji's temple buildings are spread over a spacious, densely forested area on the mountain top. From the ropeway station it takes a 10-15 minute walk uphill to reach Niomon Gate, and another 10-15 minutes to reach the Maniden, a beautiful wooden temple hall, constructed on pillars on a steep slope.

Another five minute walk along forest trails brings you to the three massive wooden temple halls, known as mitsunodo: the Daikodo (main hall), Jikido (lodging and dining hall, now exhibiting temple treasures) and Jogyodo (gymnasium).

More temple buildings and an observation point with nice views over the urban sprawl of Himeji, are located even further along the trails in the Okunoin area.

In recent years, Mount Shosha has gained some fame overseas by having served as a film location for the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai".

Niomon Gate

Terrace of the Maniden

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Take Shinki Bus number 8 from either Himeji Station or Himeji Castle to the terminal stop "Mount Shosha Ropeway" (30 minutes, 260 yen one way, departures every 15-20 minutes). Then, take the Mount Shosha Ropeway up the mountain (500 yen one way, 900 yen round trip, departures every 15 minutes).

A convenient ticket to use is the "Shoshazan Ropeway" combination ticket, that includes a round trip by bus from Himeji Station to the ropeway station and the ropeway round trip for 1,300 yen. It is available at the ticket counter of the Shinki Bus Terminal in front of Himeji Station.

Note that there are two bus terminals in front of Himeji Station, one for the white Himeji City Buses (on the right side of the main road when exiting JR Himeji Station), and one for the orange Shinki Buses (on the left side of the main road when exiting JR Himeji Station). You need to take a Shinki Bus.

How to get to and around Himeji

hours and fees

Engyoji Temple Grounds
Hours:	8:30 to 17:00 (closing times vary seasonally by +/- one hour)
Closed:	No closing days. But the ropeway is out of service for maintenance for one week in mid December.
Admission:	300 yen

news and reports

	Himeji Cherry Blossom Report April 14, 2009
	Himeji Cherry Blossom Report March 31, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Himeji: 614
Users who have been to Mount Shosha: 48

3rd of 3 most visited sights in Himeji.
251st of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (89/100, 27 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

User Feedback We constantly strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and to find ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

question forum

Himeji as stopover

1 reaction

updated 3 days ago

tours and packages

From Osaka: Himeji Castle and Sake Brewery Guided full day trip from Osaka to Himeji and Kobe.

japanese links