Engyō-ji, Buddhist temple on Mount Shosha, Himeji, Japan
Engyō-ji is a temple complex on the summit of Mount Shosha near Himeji with several halls and wooden buildings. Stone paths and covered walkways connect the structures and lead through the dense mountain forest.
A monk named Shoku Shonin founded the site in the year 966 during the Heian period. Over the following centuries the temple developed into an important center for Buddhist teaching and practice in the region.
The temple holds several Important Cultural Properties, including the Mani-den Hall with its elevated kakezukuri construction method above the mountainside.
Visitors take a bus from Himeji Station to the ropeway at Mount Shosha and then reach the temple entrance. Sturdy footwear is recommended because the paths between the halls are made of stone and include some steps.
The film The Last Samurai used several temple buildings as the setting for Lord Katsumoto's mountain refuge. Since then many international visitors come here to see the filming locations and experience the quiet atmosphere of the site.
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