Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple

Mount Shosha is a picturesque temple area located in the mountains behind Himeji Castle. Scenes from “The Last Samurai” (2003) with Tom Cruise was filmed here.

It can be accessed by Shinki bus from Himeji Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes to the ropeway station. A convenient return bus / ropeway ticket can be purchased for ¥1300. More information about the ropeway and times here.

The ropeway runs every 15 minutes up the mountain to the temple entrance. There you can enjoy a short peaceful hike through nature to the temple gates and buildings.