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One of the best-kept secrets of western Japan must be the
magnificent temple complex of Engyoji on Mt. Shosha in Himeji.
Far less known than Kyoto's overcrowded temples, and therefore
almost deserted, it is nonetheless one of the most magnificent
temples the area has to offer.
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The beautiful terraced main temple of Engyoji.
(Photo © Kjeld Duits)
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In 966 visionary Buddhist Priest Shoku saw a celestial being
in a cherry tree on this mountain (Himeji's highest). It inspired
him to carve a statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion,
out of the tree. The temple he built around it became a major
training center for priests of the Tendai sect. Eight of Engyoji's
buildings and seven of its Buddhist statues have been designated
Important Cultural Properties.
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Inside view of the main temple.
(Photo © Kjeld Duits)
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In the olden days pilgrims had to climb the mountain; you
can take the rope way up. A 15-minute stroll through the woods
takes you to the main temple (Maniden) where pilgrims from all
over Japan have special scrolls stamped with the temple seal
(Engyoji is one of 33 pilgrimage sites in western Japan).
Walk through ancient forests to the Jikido, which once served
as lodgings for priests in training. With the Daikodo and Jogyodo,
it creates a dramatic three-sided courtyard.
 Himeji Castle Hotel (0792-84-3311)
Hotel Sunroute Himeji (0792-85-0811)
Hotel Sunroute New Himeji (0792-23-1111)
Hotel Sun Garden Himeji (0792-22-2231)
Washington Hotel (0792-25-0111)
Hotel Okuuchi (0792-22-8000)
Hotel Sunshine Aoyama (0792-76-1181)
Hotel Himeji Plaza (0792-81-9000)
Himeji Green Hotel (0792-89-0088)
Short description of Engyoji
Short (and simple) description of Mt. Shosha
General information on Hyogo Prefecture
Introduction to Himeji
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