Engyoji Temple, Hyogo

The popular temple in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Mt. Shosha Engyoji Temple is the 27th temple of ‘Saigoku Sanjusankasho’ (the 33 temples that are visited during the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage). It is a temple where many worshipers visit since ancient times. Engyoji Temple is easily accessible via a ropeway, so you can visit it while enjoying the superb view on the ropeway.
Engyoji Temple, popular in Himeji, is the “Bekkaku-honzan” (special head temple) of the Tendai sect, also known as “West Mt. Hiei”, and has long been known as a temple of great faith. Therefore, many worshipers come here to receive “Goshuin” (a stamp that is given at a shrine or a temple) at Engyoji Temple. It is on the top of the mountain called Mt. Shosha, but you can reach the summit by ropeway.
To access Engyoji Temple by public transport, first take the Shinki Bus “Shosha Ropeway Line” from Japan Railway or Sanyo Electric Railway Himeji Station to “Ropeway Shosha Sanroku Station”. “Ropeway Shosha Sanroku Station” is the end point, so you will not miss it. When you arrive at “Ropeway Shosha Sanroku Station”, take the ropeway to the summit station.
It takes about 30 minutes to get to “Ropeway Shosha Sanroku Station” by Shinki bus from Japan Railway and Sanyo Himeji Station. If you have access by public transport, make a plan with plenty of time.
From Ropeway Shosha Sanroku Station, you can get to Ropeway Sanjo Station with Engyoji Temple in about 4 minutes. It runs from 8:30 and is every hour at 00 and 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes. There are 4 trains per hour. The last departure time varies depending on the season and day of the week.
Once you arrive at Ropeway Sanjo Station, you will need 500 yen as a “shinokin” (money for admission fee) when you enter the mountain. In addition, this shinokin can use a microbus running on the mountain, so it is recommended for elderly people.
From the Shoshazan Ropeway, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery. It is recommended because it is packed with highlights. In autumn, many tourists come from inside and outside the prefecture because they can enjoy the superb view of autumn leaves.
In addition to the important cultural properties designated by the country, you can enjoy the autumn leaves while walking around the precincts, which is also one of the highlights. And it is also recommended that you can have a training experience.

Engyoji Temple was opened by Saint Shoku in 966 during the Heian era

Engyoji Temple of Mt. Shosha is the largest temple out of thirty-three temples on the western side of Japan. It is a temple of a special mountain main temple of Tendai sect which is so high as to be called “West Mt. Hiei”. It is located in a place called Himeji a little away from Kyoto. However, it seems that there were many emperors who visited the royal family and the aristocracy, and they often visited there. Engyoji Temple was opened by Saint Shoku in 966 during the Heian era.

About 4 minutes from the base of the foot by the ropeway

Engyoji Temple is located at the summit of Mt.Shosha in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Mt.Shosha is a mountain with a height of 371 meters. To go to the summit you need to use the ropeway or climb it for about an hour. This ropeway has a capacity of 70 people. It can carry lots of passengers at once. About 4 minutes from the base of the foot, arrive at the entrance of Mt.Shosha. About 20 minutes on foot from there, you get to the “Niomon Gate”.

Mani-den Hall was built on the cherry-blossom tree

The “Mani-den Hall” is said to have been built in 970. Once upon a time there was a cherry tree in this place, Saint Shoku witnessed that celestial being worshiped to the tree. Later there is a legend that he carved Nyoirin Kanzeon Bosatsu on the living tree and made it the principal image. It is said that Mani-den Hall which restores this principal image was built on the cherry-blossom tree, so it was a stage leaning against the slope of the mountain.

The place for academic and practical training

The “Dai-kodo Hall” (Great Lecture Hall) is built on the right side towards the square. It was founded in 986 by Emperor Kazan ‘s petition and it is said to have given the temple’s title “Engyoji” at this time. It is said that this place was a place for academic and practical training where lectures and discussions of sutras had been held.

Dancing and the court music of Japan were done to dedicate Shaka Nyorai

“Jogyodo Hall” is built on the left side of the square. It seems that the age of its foundation is unknown. Jogyodo Hall is a dojo for Jogyo Zanmai (Constantly Walking Samadhi in Tendai sect). It is said that a stage was set up facing the “Dai-kodo Hall” and dancing and the court music of Japan were done to dedicate Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni).

Many cultural properties are stored

Engyoji Temple is a temple located at the western end of the thirty-three sacred grounds in Saigoku (western part of Japan)). Here, the temple site is also wide, many of the fine shrine halls are well aligned, and many cultural properties are stored. Also, it is famous as a scenic spot for autumn leaves.

Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)