A must-visit secret spot around Himeji Castle, and a time of forest retreat at Sanengyoji Temple.

If you come to Himeji Castle, you might as well set aside half a day to visit the quiet secret place not far away - Shoshazan Engyō-ji. It is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Himeji. It is one of the few ancient temples in Japan that retains the atmosphere of mountain meditation. It was also the filming location of the movie "The Last Samurai"! I took a bus from Himeji Station to the foot of Mt. Shosha, and then took the cable car to the mountain. The cable car rises slowly, the forest is lush, the air is fresh, and you can feel the seclusion and tranquility as soon as you reach the mountain. It takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach the core area of ​​the temple - the Mani Hall. The building is suspended on the mountain wall, which is solemn and majestic, making people slow down their pace. The three main halls in the temple (the lecture hall, the dining hall, and the regular walking hall) are arranged according to the mountain terrain, and the wooden buildings exude a strong ancient charm. Without the hustle and bustle of the crowd, this place is more suitable for calming down, taking a walk and meditating. The scenery of each season has its own charm, and the spring cherry blossoms and autumn maples are particularly charming. Shoshayama is not only a paradise for photography enthusiasts, but also a great place to experience the in-depth culture of Japan. If you like history and nature, this place is definitely worth a visit. --- Location check-in: Shoshazan Engyoji Temple Shoshasan Cable Car Mani Hall, Lecture Hall, Canteen, Changxing Hall #Shoshazan Engyoji Temple #Himeji Secrets #Hyogo Attractions #In-depth Travel #Forest Ancient Temple #Japanese Cultural Experience #Shoshazan Cable Car #The Last Samurai Scene #Quiet Walk #Hidden Attractions in Japan #MarchGoodPlaces2025