[Himeji City] A must-see for those who want to enjoy both Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple!

• Table of Contents
• What is Shoshazan Shiromachi Pass?
• Day 1: World Heritage Site Himeji Castle and a stroll around the castle town
• Day 2: A journey to tranquilize your mind at Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, a place of training
• Day trip course
• Experiences at Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple
• Ticket points and how to use them
• Summary

What is Shoshazan Shiromachi Pass?

・Unlimited travel for 2 days within the 250 yen zone from Himeji Station

・Unlimited rides on the Himeji Station to Shoshazan Ropeway route for 2 days

・Includes a round-trip ticket for the Mt. Shosha ropeway

・Entry fee for Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple is included

For example, you can "enjoy Himeji Castle and the castle town on the first day" and "experience the history, nature, and training at Mt. Shosha on the second day." You can also get off the train at any time along the way. You can also enjoy visiting art museums and local gourmet food as you like.

Click here to purchase the Shoshasan Shiromachi Pass

Day 1: World Heritage Site Himeji Castle and a stroll around the castle town

Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site known for its graceful appearance resembling a white heron, is the perfect starting point for any trip. When you gaze upon the castle tower shining in the soft morning sunlight, its beauty will take your breath away.

The lines of the Ishigaki and the shadows on the white walls change with the time of day, making for excellent photos. From the castle tower, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Harima , and feel the harmony between history and nature.

After touring the castle, head to the adjacent Kokoen Garden. This beautiful Japanese garden, with its seasonal flowers and flowing waters, offers a relaxing time. For lunch, enjoy popular local dishes around the castle town, such as Himeji oden and conger eel rice bowls, and take a break at one of the traditional cafes along the walking path. In the afternoon, explore the Himeji Museum of Literature and the retro buildings of the shopping district, and fully enjoy the history and lifestyle of this "town of egrets."

Day 2: A journey to tranquilize your mind at Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, a place of training

The next day, we took a Shinki Bus from Himeji Station to the Shoshazan Ropeway. After a few minutes of aerial travel, we were greeted by a spectacular view of the city of Himeji stretching out below and the Seto Naikai in the distance.

Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, towering over the mountaintop, is an ancient Tendai sect temple with a history of over 1,000 years, and is also known as the "Mount Hiei of the West." Temple buildings such as the stage-style Mani-den Hall, the Great Lecture Hall, the Jyogyo-do Hall, and the dining hall are nestled in the silent Mori, creating a space that is truly otherworldly, with only the scent of the trees and the sound of the wind echoing. Known as the filming location for the movie "The Last Samurai," the temple transports visitors to an extraordinary time.

Day trip course

This great value ticket is well worth it even for a day trip. If you're on a day trip, we recommend visiting Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple first, and then visiting Himeji Castle in the afternoon. If you'd rather just enjoy the outside of the castle without going inside, we recommend visiting at night. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll under the moonlight with the castle lit up at night.

Experiences at Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple

Mind-cleansing experiences such as copying sutras and Zen meditation are also popular and are the perfect way to end your trip. You can make reservations for each experience using the buttons below. Please note that Zen meditation experiences require advance reservations.

Enjoy a day experiencing with all your senses the presence of the mountains, where history and prayer coexist.

Zazen experience *Reservation required

Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, spending time facing yourself while adjusting your breathing and posture will calm your mind and refresh you. Why not surrender yourself to the deep silence of Mt. Shosha, surrounded by nature in all four seasons?

The Zen meditation experience at the Jyogyodo Hall is accompanied by careful instruction from a monk. You will learn everything from posture and breathing to how to focus your mind. Forget about your daily life, which is often dominated by smartphones and schedules, and spend some time concentrating on the here and now. After the experience, you will feel lighter and more calm. Zen meditation is not only a Buddhist practice, but also a valuable experience for modern people to reflect on themselves.

To book a zazen experience, click here

By tracing the lightly printed sutra and putting your wishes into each character, you can expect to feel a calming effect on your mind and tranquilize your spirit. After the experience, you can take home or dedicate the completed copy of the sutra, allowing you to gain peace of mind while experiencing traditional Japanese culture up close.

The Heart Sutra consists of approximately 276 characters, and even beginners can tackle it in about an hour. By concentrating on the characters through copying the sutra, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find time to calm your mind. The quiet of the temple and the environment surrounded by nature throughout the seasons are ideal for healing and gaining new insights. You can also combine it with other experience content to create your own special experience during your trip.

Click here to experience the Heart Sutra

Even beginners can tackle the task in around 30 minutes, and by concentrating on the characters in a quiet environment, you can experience the benefits of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and aligning your mind and body. You can take home the completed copy of the sutra or offer it as an offering, making it a casual experience of traditional Japanese culture.

In petal copying, you trace and copy the sutra text onto petal-shaped colored paper, rather than using regular sutra paper. The act of putting your wishes into each character is a time to calm your mind and increase your concentration. After the experience, you can take your work home or donate it, making it the perfect memento of your trip or a memory to share with a loved one. Even first-timers can easily give it a try, and it offers a precious moment of healing for busy modern people.

Click here for the flower petal copying experience

Ticket points and how to use them

・Online purchases and credit card payments can be used immediately

・Can be used by simply showing the card on your smartphone

・You can get off at any stop along the way, so even a one-day trip is a great deal

・Special set ticket only available here

Summary

The Shoshazan Shiromachi Pass is the perfect round-trip ticket for those who want to enjoy both the castle and the mountain. If you want to experience the multifaceted charms of Himeji- its history, nature, and the city's vibrant atmosphere - it's definitely worth trying!

Click here to purchase the Shoshasan Shiromachi Pass

Check out other articles about Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple here