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Mt Shosha
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Mt. Shosha
Mt. Shosha

While seeking a new spiritual place, Shoku, a holy Buddhist priest, founded the Engyoji Temple on Mt. Shosha in the early Heian Period (10th century). This temple is one of the three most important training centers of the Tendai sect, and is called the Mt. Hiei of The West. Many people visit this temple year-around, and it is now known as a location spot for filming the movie “Last Samurai” and the NHK drama series “Musashi”.
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Ropeway - Panoramic View
Ropeway

You can take the ropeway or walk up to the top of the mountain while enjoying the flora. From the top you have a panoramic view of Himeji city and the Harimanada Sea.
[ Large size ]- Google Maps

[ Large view ] Panoramic View

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Kannon Statues
Kannon Statue

From the ropeway terminal you can walk up the pathway while flanked by Kannon statues of 33 pilgrimage sites. The clear and solemn atmosphere is physically and spiritually refreshing.
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[ Large view ] Kannon Statues

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Niomon
Niomon

Soon you will reach the Niomon, the main gate. The temple grounds inside the gate are sacred. There were more than 30 sub-temples on the mountain at its zenith, and emperors and aristocrats once visited here. Many existing buildings and Buddhist statues are appointed as cultural properties.
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Juryoin
Juryoin

Juryoin has the highest rank among the sub-temples, and records show the former Emperor Goshirakawa visited there. Its outer appearance is built in the traditional Shinnden style, but the inside was designed in the Shoin style. You can enjoy a “Shojin Dinner” with Shosha lacquer ware by appointment.

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Maniden
Maniden

Coming down the Gongen slope and passing over the Yuya Brigde you are facing “Maniden”, the main building. The magnificient structure of Maniden, standing halfway up the rocky cliff, reminds visitors of the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. Year-around pilgrims visit Maniden, the 27th location site of Western Japan pilgrimage.
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[ Large view ] Maniden

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Mitsunodo (Three Halls)
Mitsunodo

Leaving Maniden and passing beneath big trees that are hundreds of years old, you will come to a silent, open space surrounded by three buildings. All three buildings were built in the Muromachi period (15th century).
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Daikodo
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Daikodo

This great auditorium was constructed in 986 A.D. at the request of the retired Emperor Kazan, who named this temple Engyoji at that time.  Daikodo was famous as a training center for priests.  This building is dedicated to the Incarnation of Truth.  The present building was dismantled and reconstructed in 1956.

[ Large view ] Daikodo

 
Jikido
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Jikido

Jikido was constructed in 1174 at the request of the retired Emperor Goshirakawa to enshrine the God of Wisdom and Intellect.  40m-wide, two-storied building is unique for its architectural style. It is said to have been both a priest's training center and a boarding house.

[ Large view ] Sit in Meditation

 
Jogyodo
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Jogyodo

This training hall is dedicated to Amitabha.  Trainees walk around Amitabha statue for days calling the holy name.  Ceremonial music and graceful dances were performed on the northern stage of this building opposite the great auditorium.  The building was remodeled and reconstructed in 1965.

[ Large view ] Jogyodo

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Honda Family Graves
Honda Family Graves

In front of these three buildings are the graves of Honda’s family, once a Lord of Himeji Castle.

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Okunoin
Okunoin

"Okunoin" (inner sanctuary) is beyond the three buildings.
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Kaizando
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Kaizando

Shoku, founder of Engyoji Temple, is worshiped at “Kaizando”. Formally there were Sumo wrestlers, carved by Jingoro Hidari, sustaining the roof at the four corners. But it is said that the wrestler at the northwest corner ran away, incapable of sustaining the weight of the roof.

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Gargoyle

 
Gohodou

Gohodou

These two buildings, Gohodou, with thatched roofs made of cypress bark, are dedicated to two deities, Ototen and Wakaten. They served Shoku as guards and guides. The Benkei Study is facing Gohodo. It is said that Benkei had studied and trained at Mt. Shosha in his youth, and many legends and related objects remain.

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Art and Craft Museum
Art and Craft Center
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After spending a relaxing and calm time on Mt. Shosha, you are welcome at the “Shosha-no-sato Art and Craft Center” at the foot of the mountain. You will find artwork done by Kosho Shimizu who was born in Himeji and became the chief priest at the Todaiji Temple in Nara. You can observe or participate in making traditional Himeji crafts such as Himeji Hariko, Himeji goma, leather products and Himeyama dolls. You will observe professional skills like those demanded of young priests after much training.

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1-15-29 Yashiro-Honcho, Himeji 670-0874 Japan
phone: 079-285-1327 - fax: 079-285-1328
email: tuchiyama@sansenya.com
Site and Photos by ParaComm
   
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