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

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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).

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

Admission to the temple grounds: 300 Yen

Ropeway Operation Hours:
Weekdays:
8:30 - 18:00 (March to mid October)
8:30 - 17:00 (mid October through February)
Weekends and holidays:
8:30 - 19:00 (April through September)
8:30 - 18:00 (March, October and November)
8:30 - 17:00 (December through February)

travel community

Users who have been to Himeji: 179
Users who have been to Mount Shosha: 13

3rd of 3 most visited sights in Himeji.
248th of 386 most visited sights nationwide.

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