Mount Shosha - Hyogo, Japan
I didn’t plan much for today since it was mostly a travel day, but I decided to make a quick stop in Himeji before heading to my next destination. I’ve been to Himeji several times, yet somehow always missed visiting Engyoji Temple—a famous Buddhist site founded in 966. This time, I decided to take the opportunity to visit. There are two ways to reach Engyoji: by ropeway or on foot. While most people opt for the ropeway, I chose to hike instead, starting from the Higashisaka Trailhead. There are multiple trail options leading up Mount Shosha.
From Himeji Station, I took the bus to the Shosha bus stop. After crossing the busy street, I walked a few minutes to reach the trailhead. The hike itself wasn’t difficult, though the fallen leaves made footing a bit tricky in places. There was one section that required climbing over a rock face, but otherwise, the trail was straightforward. Along the way, there were a few viewpoints overlooking Himeji city. It didn’t take long to reach the ropeway station near the top.
A short walk from there brought me to the temple entrance. The staff asked if I had hiked up—probably because I was a bit sweaty and clearly underdressed compared to most visitors. Although I had reached the entrance, the main temple complex was still a short hike further. There’s also a shuttle bus available here, making it easy for visitors who prefer minimal walking.
The path to the temple was lined with 33 statues of Kannon, one for each temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Surrounded by tall trees and peaceful silence, the atmosphere felt calm and sacred. The temple grounds were vast, with multiple halls and structures spread across the mountainside. I explored at a relaxed pace, climbing deeper into the mountain to visit smaller shrines. The scale and beauty of Engyoji Temple made it one of the most impressive temples I’ve visited in Japan.
Afterward, I hiked back down the same way and caught the bus just in time to return to Himeji Station. Before continuing my journey, I stopped to enjoy akashiyaki, a local specialty similar to takoyaki, before taking two more trains to reach my final stop for the day.
History & Background
Engyoji Temple (圓教寺), located on Mount Shosha in Himeji, was founded in 966 by the monk Shoku Shonin and belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Often referred to as the “Mount Hiei of the West,” it holds deep historical and cultural significance. Its wooden halls and forested mountain setting have made it a popular pilgrimage site for over a millennium. Engyoji also gained international recognition as a filming location for The Last Samurai, showcasing its atmospheric temple buildings and serene mountain landscape.
Getting There
You can reach Himeji by taking the Shinkansen from major cities like Osaka or Kyoto. Once in Himeji, it’s about a 20-minute bus ride from Himeji Station to the foot of Mount Shosha.
Route Overview
Distance: 7.37 km out & back (Shosha Bus Stop)
Total elevation gain: 411 m
Duration: 1 hr 57 min (with breaks 2 hr 4 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peak: Mt. Shosha 書写山 371m
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Himeji Station → Shosha Bus Stop — ¥320
Engyoji Temple Entrance Fee: ¥500
