Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

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Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

The "Hieizan of the West," the location of the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai."

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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

  • An ancient temple representing the Harima region, called "Hieizan of the west.
  • It is famous as the location for the movie "The Last Samurai.
  • This temple is the 27th temple of the 33-sacred Temple Kannon Pilgrimage Route in Saigoku.
  • The Mani-den Hall building was designed by architect Goichi Takeda and housed a statue of the Nyoirin Kannon.
  • Mitsu-no-do Hall has a solemn atmosphere with three halls lined up in a U-shape.

Photos

  • Mani-do hall enshrining the main statue of Nyoirin Kannon

    Mani-do hall enshrining the main statue of Nyoirin Kannon

  • Pass through the Niomon Gate to enter the temple grounds.

    Pass through the Niomon Gate to enter the temple grounds.

  • Mitsu-no-do Hall is lined with a Dai-ko-do, Jiki-do, and a jogyo-do.

    Mitsu-no-do Hall is lined with a Dai-ko-do, Jiki-do, and a jogyo-do.

  • Three statues of Sakyamuni are enshrined in the Dai-ko-do.

    Three statues of Sakyamuni are enshrined in the Dai-ko-do.

  • It takes 4 minutes by ropeway to the top of the mountain.
Photo provided by: Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau

    It takes 4 minutes by ropeway to the top of the mountain. Photo provided by: Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau

Reviews

2
  • 宋美溫

    纜車坐到山上走自然環境步道,有些起起伏伏算很好走,寺廟也很有特色,來到姫路不妨過來參觀看看。

  • Jason Lin

    湯姆・克魯斯末代武士電影拍攝地點,看過這部電影的內容後來到這裡參觀特別有感觸,是姫路市除了姬路城以外另一個知名參觀景點。

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)