Mount Shosha

Mount Shosha (書写山, Shoshazan), located just outside Himeji City, is a beautiful and historic mountain retreat home to the ancient Engyoji temple complex, which has stood for over 1,000 years. The mountain is easily accessible in just 30 minutes from the city center by bus and ropeway. As you ascend, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with dense forests and ancient temple structures nestled along the mountainside. From the ropeway station, a short 10-15 minute walk will take you to the stunning Maniden temple hall, which sits dramatically on pillars along a steep slope, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.

In addition to Maniden, the mountain features several other significant sites, including the Mitsunodo halls, famous for their spiritual importance and tranquil atmosphere. For even more stunning views, visitors can hike to the observation point, where the panoramic vistas of Himeji and the surrounding countryside seem to stretch on forever. Mount Shosha is celebrated not only for its natural beauty and historic temples but also for its lack of modern infrastructure, which helps preserve its timeless charm. The peaceful landscape and scenic views have made it a popular filming location, most notably as the backdrop for scenes in the Hollywood film The Last Samurai.