Take the cable car up the mountain and walk along the nature trails—they're pretty easy, with some ups and downs. The temple itself is really unique. If you're in Himeji, it's definitely worth a visit.

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Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
The "Hieizan of the West," the location of the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai."
A temple of the Tendai sect is located on the 371-meter-high Mount Shosha in the northern part of Himeji City. The temple is said to have been founded in 966 by priest Shoku-Shonin. Since ancient times, the temple has been widely worshipped and is called the "Hieizan of the West" (Hieizan: the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism)because of its many halls and buildings on the mountain. This temple is the 27th temple of the 33-sacred Temple Kannon Pilgrimage Route in Saigoku.
It has appeared as a shooting location for many movies and TV dramas, including the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai," released in 2003.
From the bus stop at the foot of the mountain to the top is easily accessible via a ropeway. From the ropeway station, it is a slow 20-minute walk through the temple grounds, lined with various halls, to Mani-den Hall, where the main statue of the Roppi Nyoirin Kannon is enshrined.
The Mani-den Hall was built in 1933 by architect Goichi Takeda after the Nyoirindo was destroyed by fire and is an imposing structure of stage (kakezukuri), similar to that of Kiyomizu Temple. Behind the hall, there is a large lecture hall, a dining hall, and the "Mitsu-no-Do," which halls Dai-ko-do, Jiki-do, and a jogyo-do. The three halls, designated as National Important Cultural Properties, are lined up in a U-shape, symbolizing Enkyo-Ji Temple.
Highlights
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An ancient temple representing the Harima region, called "Hieizan of the west.
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It is famous as the location for the movie "The Last Samurai.
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This temple is the 27th temple of the 33-sacred Temple Kannon Pilgrimage Route in Saigoku.
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The Mani-den Hall building was designed by architect Goichi Takeda and housed a statue of the Nyoirin Kannon.
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Mitsu-no-do Hall has a solemn atmosphere with three halls lined up in a U-shape.
Photos
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Mani-do hall enshrining the main statue of Nyoirin Kannon
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Pass through the Niomon Gate to enter the temple grounds.
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Mitsu-no-do Hall is lined with a Dai-ko-do, Jiki-do, and a jogyo-do.
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Three statues of Sakyamuni are enshrined in the Dai-ko-do.
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It takes 4 minutes by ropeway to the top of the mountain. Photo provided by: Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau
Reviews
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This is where they filmed The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. Visiting after seeing the movie made it feel extra special. It's another famous sightseeing spot in Himeji, besides Himeji Castle.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 書写山圓教寺
- Postal Code
- 671-2201
- Address
- 2968 Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo
- Telephone
- 079-266-3327
- Holiday
- Open every day
- Hours
- 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Admission
- 500yen
- Directions
- From JR or Sanyo Himeji Station, take the Shinki Bus for about 30 minutes and get off at "the Shoshazan Ropeway" stop. Take the ropeway to the top of the mountain in about 4 minutes.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Website
- Official Website (English)