Private Tour and Zazen Meditation Led by the 141st Chief Priest at Himeji’s Millennia-old Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple

Mount Shosha’s Engyoji Temple Complex, One of the Three Pillars of Tendai Buddhism

Mount Shosha sits to the northwest of Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, famous for its World Heritage site and national treasure Himeji Castle. Atop this mountain sits the temple complex of Engyoji, 27th of the 33 Western Pilgrimage Holy Sites of the Bodhisattva Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, nicknamed the “Mount Hiei of the West” for that mountain’s central and foundational role in Tendai Lotus School Buddhism. This Wabunka plan offers the opportunity to tour its grounds guided by its 141st chief priest Kenjo Ooki.

The central Mani-den Hall is an iconic structure of the Engyoji complex

Since its founding by Saint Shoku in 966, Engyoji temple complex has counted members of the Imperial family, aristocrats, military leaders, and ordinary citizens among its faithful. Over the years, their contributions enabled the complex’s expansion with numerous temple halls and pagodas. The Mani-den Hall is one such iconic structure of the complex, built using the traditional floating kake-zukuri (or “stage construction”) method on a steep slope, much like the famous World Heritage Site temple Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Other impressive buildings on-site include listed Important Cultural Properties such as the Dai-ko-do great lecture hall and the Jiki-do dining hall. 

Kenjo Ooki, the 141st chief priest of Engyoji since 2022

Under Chief Priest Ooki and his father the former high priest, the temple complex revived its tradition of annual events ended during the Meiji period (1868-1912), resulting in a growing number of functions for visitors from the general public to observe and take part in. Ooki will share his vast knowledge of the temple’s history and charm with you during the tour.

Spectacular Himeji Views from the Ropeway in the Sky

First, your shuttle ferries you from Himeji Station to the foot of Mount Shosha. From there, the Shoshazan Ropeway conveys you up the mountain in gondola cars featuring yellow and green livery evoking the autumnal giant gingko trees and early summer foliage. (The ropeway is closed from January 20th to March 23rd, 2025, so visitors during this period will be transported by private car. As such, group size during the period is limited to four persons or less.)

The four-minute ropeway journey flies by with so much to look at

The ropeway affords stunning views of Himeji’s cityscape, as well as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island. On clear days, you can see all the way to the island of Shodoshima in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea, or even across it completely to the major island of Shikoku. Sail through the skies and take in the spectacular seasonal faces of the mountain landscape.

Mani-den Hall, Home of the Kannon Icon Carved by Saint Shoku

A private car awaits at the summit of the ropeway to whisk you to the temple’s iconic Mani-den Hall. Built using the traditional floating kake-zukuri (or “stage construction”) method on a steep slope, Mani-den Hall is the most famous and recognizable structure of the Engyoji temple complex. It houses the image of Kannon which founder Saint Shoku carved into a living cherry tree, dedicated as the temple’s central image of worship. As with many of Japan’s ancient wooden buildings, the hall has been destroyed numerous times by fires and lightning strikes, undergoing its most recent restoration in 1933. Designed by architect Goichi Takeda, who also designed the great reception room of Mount Hiei’s Enryakuji temple. It is listed as a Hyogo Prefecture Cultural Property and considered a representative example of modern temple architecture.

The floating Mani-den hall, a stunning work of temple architecture built into a steep slope

Here, Wabunka guests enjoy a special tour of the usually off-limits inner sanctuary, where a six-armed image of the Bodhisattva Kannon is enshrined, as well as the broader temple grounds. Immerse yourself in history that springs to life from the lips of Head Priest Ooki himself as you stroll the complex, which was used for two years by famed warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi during the violent upheavals of the 16th century as a strategic military base.

Chief Priest Ooki shares temple history brimming with humor and fascinating twists

The Honor of a Goshuin Seal, Hand-calligraphed by the 141st Chief Priest

When your tour of Mani-den is complete, receive a goshuin (a seal issued by a shrine or temple to commemorate pilgrimages and religious attendance). Usually, Engyoji’s goshuin are issued standard at specific locations in the complex, but guests of the Wabunka plan exclusively receive a special goshuin issued and calligraphed by the head priest himself. Watch up close as he puts ink to paper, stroke by graceful stroke.

Goshuin temple seals applied and calligraphed right before your eyes

A Vast and Gorgeous Temple Complex, with Appearances in Film and Television

Continue onward to visit the Mitsu-no-do area (“Three Halls”) , the Dai-ko-do great lecture hall, the Jiki-do dining hall, and the Jogyo-do training hall – featured prominently as shooting locations in the film The Last Samurai. This U-shaped group of structures surround a large courtyard, and were built between the 10th and 15th Centuries.

Icons of the Shakyamuni Triad and the Four Heavenly Kings enshrined in the Dai-ko-do great lecture hall

The Dai-ko-do is Engyoji’s main hall, enshrining icons of the Shakyamuni Triad and the Four Heavenly Kings. A central stage juts toward it from the center of the Jogyo-do, and upon it music and dance are offered up to these holy figures. “The Shakyamuni Triad gazes silently across the courtyard at the Jogyo-do’s stage,” says Ooki. 

Viewing the Dai-ko-do great lecture hall from the stage of the Jogyo-do training hall is mysteriously calming

Finally, experience zazen meditation in the Jogyo-do training hall under the guidance of Chief Priest Ooki. Since some find the stricter floor seating positions of meditation uncomfortable, chairs are also available to make sure all can participate comfortably. Breathe in history and tradition as you straighten your spine. Let the daily grind fall away and be immersed in a moment of peace.

Let thoughts and emotions freely enter your mind

A Place of Mysterious Power, Calling the Faithful for Over a Millennia

Ensconced in the hushed beauty of nature, the numerous halls and pagodas of Engyoji temple complex bespeak both its long history and the depth of faith of its followers. Its Mani-den and Mitsu-no-do halls exude their own unique atmosphere of mysterious power, each purposed to a different aspect of worship or training. Its iconic visuals and sense of presence have also compelled filmmakers and artists alike to make it their muse, shooting location, or creative base. Let the chief priest who knows it like no one else guide you on a tour of discovery through this ancient place cherished by so many, and find out just why for yourself.

The Dai-ko-do hall is considered one of the main temple’s most important buildings

“The relationships we make with visitors to the temple are precious,” says Ooki, who knows this place better than anyone. There is only one way to feel the mysterious energy that this millennia-old temple complex exudes, and that is to make a pilgrimage and form one such relationship yourself.