• Shoshazan Ropeway - The Shoshazan Ropeway provides a serene and picturesque journey to Mount Shosha, lifting visitors above the lush forested slopes and unveiling breathtaking views of Himeji and the surrounding landscape. In just a few minutes, this gentle cable car ride sets the stage for a peaceful temple visit, enhancing the feeling of leaving the ordinary behind and entering a sacred mountain sanctuary.
• Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple - Engyoji Temple, situated atop the forested slopes of Mount Shosha, is a sacred and historically significant Buddhist temple established in 966 by the monk Shoku Shonin. Known as the “Hiei Mountain of the West,” it was a major center for the Tendai sect, attracting monks, pilgrims, and nobility for centuries. The expansive temple complex harmonizes beautifully with its natural surroundings, creating a spiritual ambiance where towering cedars, moss-covered paths, and ancient wooden halls evoke a timeless sense of peace. Its halls and statues are recognized as cultural treasures, and the temple remains an active site of prayer and reflection, drawing visitors not only for its religious significance but also for its cinematic beauty—it was famously featured in The Last Samurai. Engyoji offers a unique opportunity to experience both living Buddhist tradition and the majestic history of Japan within the tranquil embrace of Mount Shosha.
• Engyoji Three Halls - The San-no-do, or “Three Great Halls,” includes Daikodo (Lecture Hall), Jikido (Dining Hall), and Jogyo-do (Meditation Hall). Together, they form a remarkable architectural ensemble that reflects the daily rhythms of temple life. Their impressive wooden structures exude dignity and history, inviting visitors to envision the lives of monks who once trained here in quiet devotion. The complex also highlights exquisite craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of traditional Buddhist practice.
• Engyoji - Maniden - Dramatically positioned against the mountainside, Mani-den Hall is the spiritual core of Engyoji Temple. Constructed in the style of a stage, it seems to float above the forest, offering breathtaking views and a profound sense of tranquility. Visitors are often inspired by its graceful wooden architecture and the quiet reverence that permeates the space, making it a true emblem of the temple’s sacred essence.

• Guide fee
• Round trip cable car to/from Engyoji Temple
• Entry to Engyoji Temple

• Lunch

This tour provides a unique chance to immerse oneself in the spiritual and architectural splendor of Engyoji Temple, a 1,000-year-old Buddhist sanctuary nestled on the tranquil slopes of Mount Shosha. Unlike standard temple visits, this adventure begins with a picturesque ropeway ride that elevates you above the forest canopy into a realm of peaceful reverence. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, participants will explore sacred halls such as the stunning Mani-den and the historic San-no-do trio, stroll along moss-covered forest paths, and discover the temple’s significance in Japan’s religious history, as well as its feature in The Last Samurai. This tour seamlessly blends nature, culture, and history into one memorable journey—perfect for travelers seeking depth, atmosphere, and genuine spiritual beauty in Japan.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.