Mount Shosha - Hyogo, Japan
Today was a travel day, but I made a quick stop in Himeji before heading to my next destination. I chose a short hike near town and to visit Engyoji Temple, a famous Buddhist site founded in 966. While most people take the ropeway, I started from the Higashisaka Trailhead.
The bus dropped me off close to the trailhead, and I began the hike. It wasn’t too difficult, though the path was covered in fallen leaves. There were great views of Himeji along the way. I reached the top at a good pace and took a quick break at the ropeway station.
At the temple entrance, the staff noticed I had hiked up—probably because I was sweaty and underdressed compared to most visitors. I explored the beautiful temple grounds at a relaxed pace. It’s one of the most impressive temples I’ve seen in Japan.
Afterward, I hiked back down and caught the bus just in time to return to Himeji Station, then took two more trains to reach my final stop for the day.
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: Moderate
Peak: Mt. Shosha 書写山 371m
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Himeji Station → Shosha Bus Stop — ¥320
Engyoji Temple Entrance Fee: ¥500
