SHOSHAZAN TEMPLE ENGYŌ-JI

This large ensemble, founded in 966 by the sacred Buddhist monk, Shōkū Shōnin, has been a major pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. It is well worth the detour, of course, for its historical and religious character, but also for its location, in the heart of a luxuriant nature of the most exotic. The temple is composed of several buildings, the most important of which are the following. First of all the Juryō-in, built during the Edo period. It is said to have been visited in 1174 by Emperor Goshirakawa and restored in 1688. Vegetarian dishes are served there on reservation. One then goes to Jōgyōdō, dedicated to Amitabha, in front of which is the Daikodo. Built in 986 at the request of the Kazan emperor, it was used for the study of monks. It is here that in 2003, many scenes from the film The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise were filmed. Right next door is Jikidō, built in 1174 at the request of Emperor Goshirakawa. However, it was never finished until 1963, the year of its restoration. Today, on the first floor, many treasures are on display, such as Buddha statues, paintings and roof decorations from the original buildings. A little further on are the five mausoleums of the Honda family, Lords of Himeji, and the tombs of Princess Sen's husband and son. Finally, Maniden Temple is the most important temple on Mount Shosha. Built in 970, it is dedicated to the goddess of mercy. Built high up, its veranda overlooks the trees, reminiscent of the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1921 and the one we can visit today dates back to 1932. It houses statues of Buddha, several of which are considered to be important cultural heritage. The holiest of them can only be seen once a year, on January 18. Engyo-ji Temple is the 27th of the 33 pilgrimage temples in western Japan. Many pilgrims come here every year. It is also particularly visited during the cherry blossom season, at the beginning of April, as well as in autumn. The primitive forests surrounding the temple create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. One should not hesitate to walk around the entire complex to enjoy every corner. If you would like to spend a night at Engyō-ji and experience an evening and a morning with the monks, this is possible by contacting the temple directly.