For foreign tourists visiting Himeji, a trip to Mount Shosha is a must-see. Here are four compelling reasons to explore this enchanting destination.
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Experience a Mystical Power Spot
Mount Shosha, with its 1,000-year history, is renowned as one of Japan’s most significant spiritual sites. Engyoji Temple, the 27th stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, is bustling with worshippers seeking the blessings of Kannon Bodhisattva. Kannon is said to appear in 33 different forms to answer the prayers of all people. The revered statue is enshrined in Maniden, a hall perched on a slope of the mountain, watching over visitors.
Breathtaking Natural Beauty
The grounds of Engyoji Temple are surrounded by ancient cedar and ginkgo trees, some over 800 years old, creating a timeless landscape. Many of these trees are designated cultural properties, offering a glimpse into Japan’s original scenery. While the ropeway is a popular way to reach the summit, a one-hour hike up the 371-meter mountain is also recommended for those with time to spare. The view from the top is truly spectacular.
Hollywood Film Location
As you venture deeper into the mountains, you’ll arrive at a plaza surrounded by three buildings known as San-no-do. This site was featured in the 2003 Hollywood film “The Last Samurai,” starring Tom Cruise, as the stronghold of Katsumoto.
Tom Cruise, touched by the spirit of the samurai, questions himself.
“What does it mean to be Samurai? To devote yourself utterly to a set of moral principles. To seek a stillness of your mind. And to master the way of the sword.”
Convenient Access
Mount Shosha is easily accessible, with a bus ride taking about 30 minutes from Himeji Station to the ropeway station at the foot of the mountain. It’s an ideal addition to your visit to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site.
From Himeji Station: Get on the Shinki Bus No. 10 bound for Shoshasan Ropeway. It Takes about 30minuites.
You may also catch a bus at Himeji Castle (Bus stop :Himeji Castle Otemon Gate)
Escape the chaos of modern life and spend some time in the serene surroundings of Mount Shosha, where you can reflect on yourself and connect with Japan’s enduring spirituality that has been passed down through millennia. An invaluable experience awaits you here.
