Engyō-ji Temple, 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 Maniden is a Kannon hall, not a Shingon hall; its name was given by Emperor Go-Shirakawa in 1174, when he visited and called it Mani, the Sanskrit word for nyoi (wish-granting). The hall burned down in 1921 and was rebuilt in 1933 to a design by Takeda Goichi, with the carpentry led by Ito Heizaemon Morimichi. The hibutsu (hidden image) is shown on January 18 at the Shusho-e ceremony.
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 temple grounds contain the tomb of Miyamoto Mikinosuke, adopted son of Miyamoto Musashi, who served Honda Tadatoki and died as a loyal retainer. The grave stands in the Honda clan cemetery, next to the main hall.
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