Shoshazan Engyo-ji Mount Shosha

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  • Engyo-ji Daikodo (Main Hall) Mt. Shosha

  • Engyo-ji Jogyodo Mt. Shosha

  • Engyo-ji Jogyodo Mt. Shosha

  • Engyo-ji Jogyodo Mt. Shosha

  • Niomon Entrance Gate Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Maniden Engyo-ji Map Mt. Shosha

  • Shrine Entrance At Maniden Mt. Shosha

  • Maniden At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Staircase Maniden At Engyo-ji

  • Pond Maniden At Engyo-ji

  • Maniden Structure At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Maniden Entrance At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Maniden Entrance Dragon At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Maniden Terrace At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • View From Maniden Terrace At Engyo-ji

  • Maniden Terrace And Window Details

  • Inside Maniden At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Statue Inside Maniden At Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Path Behind Maniden Engyo-ji Mt. Shosha

  • Engyo-ji Map

  • Engyo-ji Temple

  • Jumyo-in Engyo-ji Temple

  • Jizo Statues Engyo-ji Temple Mt. Shosha

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Facts & Figures

The Buddhist Temple complex Shoshazan Engyo-ji belongs to the Tendai sect and is a very popular tourist spot within the Himeji region. Engyo-ji is surrounded by beautiful nature on top of Mount Shosha (317m). Japan Rail Pass Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
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Take your time to visit there many Important Cultural Properties of Japan like Daikodo, Jogyodo, Jikido, Shoro, Kongodo, Kaizando, Juryoin and Gohodo. The temple is also part of the famous Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route throughout the Kansai region. The start point is Seiganto-ji and Engyo-ji is number 27 out of 33 Buddhist temples. Interesting to know that parts of the movie The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise were filmed here.

My tips for local activities

Local guide in Himeji

How about exploring Himeji with a local guide. This private tour will take 4 - 6 hours. It includes Himeji Castle, Mt. Shosha, Engyo-ji Temple and much more depending on your preferences. For more details check out this page >

History

Engyo-ji has a history of over 1000 years. In 966 the prestigious temple was founded by priest Shoku Shonin (910 - 1007). In the past many emporers have vistied this place, which shows you the importance of this Buddhist Temple.

Location

Map of Japan

Engyo-ji is located on top of Mount Shosha within the Hyōgo Prefecture.
Address: 2968, Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2201

How to get to Engyo-ji?

  • 25min from Himeji St. to Mount Shosha Ropeway stop by bus nr. 8 and
  • 45min hiking to Engyo-ji or 5min by ropeway

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Maniden - The wooden temple hall looks similar to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto and was rebuilt in 1933. Beautiful Buddha statues can be found inside.

Important Cultural Properties - The Daikodo (Main Hall), Jogyodo (Gymnasium) and Jikido (Dining and Lodging Hall) are worth a visit. The temples were rebuilt during the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The exhibition for the temple treasures can be found inside of Jogyodo.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

October

Nada no Kenka Matsuri (14th - 15th)
Is the very popular name for a festival at the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine in the city Himeji. It is called the 'Fighting Festival' because one of the attractions is that three mikoshi (portable shrines) are battered against each other till one smashes.

Where to stay near Engyo-ji?

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