Mount Shosha (ʎR, Shoshazan) is the site of Engyoji (~, Engyōji), 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 the Niomon Gate and another 10-15 minutes to reach the Maniden, a beautiful wooden temple hall, constructed on pillars on a steep slope. Alternatively, a minibus operates between the upper ropeway station and the Maniden every 20 minutes (500 yen for a round trip).
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 buildings and an observation point with views over Himeji are located even further along the trails in the Okunoin area.
Due to the beautiful scenery and absence of modern infrastructure on its temple grounds, Mount Shosha is frequently used as a filming location for historical movies and TV dramas. Besides mostly domestic productions, the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai" was partially shot on the mountain, incorporating scenes taken around and inside the halls of Mitsunodo.
Getting there and around
Take bus number 10 from Himeji Station (North Exit) or Himeji Castle to the terminal stop "Mount Shosha Ropeway" (ʎR[vEFC, 30 minutes, 320 yen one way, every 20 minutes). Then, take the ropeway up the mountain (700 yen one way, 1200 yen round trip, every 15 minutes). Alternatively, it is possible to hike up the mountain in about 45-60 minutes.
There exists a combination ticket that includes a round trip by bus from Himeji Station to the ropeway station and the ropeway round trip for 1700 yen. It is available at the ticket counter of the Shinki Bus Terminal in front of Himeji Station.
Alternatively, the Himeji & Shoshazan Engyoji Special Combo Ticket is a digital ticket that includes 2 days of unlimited rides on buses in Himeji, the ropeway round trip and admission to Engyoji Temple for 2700 yen. It pays off for those who wish to use buses for more than just the round trip to Mount Shosha, for example, also between Himeji Station and the castle.
How to get to and around Himeji
Hours and Fees
Engyoji Temple
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Himeji
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Shironoshita GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Shironoshita Guesthouse in Himeji offers family rooms with air-conditioning, work desks, and city views. Each room includes a TV, slippers, and a shared bathroom.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, coffee shop, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a work desk, TV, and slippers.Breakfast and Parking
A complimentary American breakfast with juice is served daily. The guesthouse provides free parking for guests.Prime Location
Located 1.8 km from Himeji Castle and 66 km from Kobe Airport, the property is near attractions such as Omiya Hachiman Shrine and Miki History Museum.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, castle views, and room cleanliness. -
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Hotel KaguyaView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Hotel Kaguya in Himeji offers a 5-star experience with adults-only rooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms equipped with bidets and free toiletries.Comfortable Amenities
The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include streaming services, spa baths, and soundproofing.Prime Location
Located 74 km from Kobe Airport, Hotel Kaguya is 9 km from Himeji Castle and near attractions such as Omiya Hachiman Shrine (40 km) and Miki History Museum (41 km). Guests appreciate the dinner and breakfast provided by the property. -
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Hotel Monterey HimejiFeaturing free WiFi, Hotel Monterey Himeji offers accommodation in Himeji. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. The rooms come with a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Himeji Castle is 1.2 km from Hotel Monterey Himeji, while Shikama-k? is 6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 67 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Richmond Hotel HimejiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with bidets, city views, and modern amenities including free WiFi, smartphones, and work desks.Dining and Services
The on-site restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and a child-friendly buffet. Additional facilities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located in Himeji, the hotel is 3.1 km from Himeji Castle and 67 km from Kobe Airport. Nearby attractions include Omiya Hachiman Shrine (32 km) and Miki History Museum (34 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room cleanliness, attentive staff, and quality breakfast. -
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel HimejiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji in Himeji offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, city views, and modern amenities. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dine at the traditional and modern restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner in a welcoming ambience.Facilities and Services
The hotel features a fitness centre, free WiFi, private check-in and check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional services include a child-friendly buffet, full-day security, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located 1.7 km from Himeji Castle, the hotel is near attractions such as Omiya Hachiman Shrine (34 km) and Miki History Museum (34 km). Kobe Airport is 67 km away. Guests appreciate the castles, sightseeing, and public transport options nearby. -
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Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot SpringOnly a 3-minute walk from JR Himeji Station, Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring offers modern rooms with free WiFi is provided throughout the property. Guests can relax in the public hot-spring baths or request massages for an extra cost. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen satellite TV, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags. The en suite bathrooms come with a shower, toilet, hairdryer and free toiletries. There is a sauna at this hotel where guests can relax from their travels. A coin-launderette is available at the hotel. Copy services and luggage storage are available at the front desk. Taxi arrangements can also be made at the reception. A buffet breakfast is served at the on-site restaurant. Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring is a 20-minute walk from the world heritage site of Himeji Castle. Both Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple and Himeji Central Park are a 30-minute drive away from Dormy Inn Himeji Natural Hot Spring. Guests can also take JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Kobe Station in 40 minutes or Super Hakuto 13 Limited ExpressTottori for 60 minutes to reach Osaka Station.View on Booking.com -
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Himeji 588 Guest HouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Himeji 588 Guest House in Himeji offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, bidets, and tatami floors. Each room includes a shower and hairdryer for added convenience.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi and a bar, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. The property also features a lounge and a coffee shop, providing additional spaces for leisure.Prime Location
Located a 14-minute walk from Himeji Castle, the guest house is near attractions such as Omiya Hachiman Shrine and Miki History Museum. Kobe Airport is 66 km away, offering easy access for travellers.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests, the guest house is praised for its castles, sightseeing, and convenient location, ensuring a memorable stay in Himeji. -
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Comfort Inn Himeji YumesakibashiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Comfort Inn Himeji Yumesakibashi in Himeji offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests appreciate the room comfort and cleanliness.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, 24-hour front desk, child-friendly buffet, full-day security, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.Breakfast and Dining
A buffet breakfast includes warm dishes, juice, and fruits. The hotel offers a variety of dining options to suit all preferences.Local Attractions
Himeji Castle is 6 km away, while Kobe Airport is 71 km from the property. Nearby attractions include Omiya Hachiman Shrine and Miki History Museum. -
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Setre Highland Villa HimejiView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Setre Highland Villa Himeji in Himeji offers a 4-star hotel experience with a garden, terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy private check-in and check-out, a lounge, and a 24-hour front desk.Comfortable Amenities
Rooms feature air-conditioning, city views, refrigerators, and free toiletries. Additional amenities include a public bath, lift, executive lounge access, and free off-site private parking.Dining and Activities
The on-site restaurant serves Japanese cuisine, highly praised by guests. Activities include hiking, and the hotel is 6 km from Himeji Castle and 71 km from Kobe Airport. -
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Hotel Nikko HimejiRight next to JR Himeji Train Station, Hotel Nikko Himeji features three restaurants offering authentic cuisine: an all-day dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, and a teppanyaki restaurant, as well as two lounges: a bar lounge and a lobby lounge. Rooms have free Wi-fi and a flat-screen satellite TV. The hotel offers a variety of stylish and comfortable rooms suitable for both business and family stays. Himeji Castle, Himeji Aquarium and Koko-en Garden are all 2 km from the hotel. Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha is 10 km away. Chinese cuisine is offered at Toh-Lee, and teppanyaki featuring premium beef and fresh seafood is served at Icho. Not only a variety of teas but also alcoholic beverages are available at the elegant tea lounge Fountain. On the top floor, the bar lounge Vol de Nuit offers beautiful views of Himeji Castle, while the all-day dining restaurant SERENA offers approximately 100 varieties of Japanese and Western dishes.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Himeji
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SponsoredPrivate Tour and Zazen Meditation Led by the Chief Priest at Himejifs Millennia-old Mount Shosha Engyoji TempleVisitors can enjoy a special personal tour led by the 141st Chief Priest of this special branch temple of the Mount Hiei Tendai Lotus School sect. View the inner sanctuary of the Mani-den Hall, usually off-limits to the general public. When the tour is complete, practice zazen meditation under the Chief Priest in the templefs training hall.View experienceSponsored -
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SponsoredExpert-led Private Night Tour of Himeji Castle, World Heritage Site and National TreasureIn an exclusive private night tour of Himeji Castle, you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and National Treasure of Japan with expert guidance. A private car takes you to and from the castle.View experienceSponsored
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