engyoji long walk from ropeway mount shosha?

I want to go to Engyoji in Mount Shosha but I'll be going with my parents to Japan so I'm not sure if we should go because they're kinda old and not that fit. Is the temples far from the ropeway? I've read that there's also a minibus at the top of the mountain. If we take that, what is the estimated distance that we have to walk still to reach the main temple? how much is the bus?

where planning to go there december 8, would the ropeway be closed?

thanks in advance!

Is the temples far from the ropeway?

Yes, the approximate walking times for average walkers are explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3503.html

I've read that there's also a minibus at the top of the mountain.

Indeed, there is a minibus that takes people from the upper ropeway station to the Maniden building. The bus costs 500 yen and operates every 20 minutes. It stops at the bottom of the Maniden building.

From the bus stop you have to walk up a stair to the Maniden building as seen here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo12/g/121129_himeji_04.jpg

From the Maniden it is then another five minutes one way on foot to the Mitsunodo halls. Elderly people may require twice as long. There are more buildings further into the forest, but in my opinion the Maniden and Mitsunodo are the only must-see places on the mountain.

where planning to go there december 8, would the ropeway be closed?

I cannot find the dates for 2014. But judging from earlier years, you may be unlucky and the closure may start from December 8. On the website, they tell people to contact them for further information:
info@mt-shosha.info
http://www.mt-shosha.info/

We are in our 60fs: walk every day at home, but not super fit.
The steep uphill walk up to Engyogi nearly killed us: it was horrible, and I would not recommend it AT ALL to older people.
We didnt find out about the bus until we saw it on the way down..lol
We plan to return in April, and will definitely take the mini bus: it is RIGHT at the entrance to the temple area, just where you get off the ropeway.
BUT the bus only gets you to the Maniden: there is still a short walk, but nothing like the uphill climb, to the Daikodo (main hall) .
So, I recommend the Mini Bus, and then a walk.
Downhill wasnft so bad: check it out on your way up in the bus to see if you want to walk down, or bus down.
It is worth it, whatever you decide.
I cant answer about Dec, other than it will be cold.....youfll gte watrm walking!
Enjoy!