Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

One of the more successful attempts by Hollywood at portraying Japanese historical drama (let’s not mention this – don’t go there) was The Last Samurai. While most of it was filmed in New Zealand, some was actually shot on location in Japan. Notably, the scenes of Tom Cruise and Watanabe Ken holed up in a temple in the mountains was filmed at the magnificent Shoshazan Engyoji Temple which is quite easy to visit with a short train ride near Himeji. Although it was originally founded by the priest Shoku Shonin in 966, most of it burned down and was rebuilt in the 1930s.

 After a short 15-20 minute walk from the ropeway ride you come to the Maniden hall originally built in 970, burnt down in 1921, and rebuilt in 1933 to the original dimensions.

Continuing further up the hill, you come to the three great halls, called Mitsunodo.

The temple was a major seat of learning at the original buildings dated from the 13th century, although all of them were reconstructed in the 1950s and 60s.

The view from inside the Jiki-do, originally used as a dormitory for monks:

Jogyo-do, the Buddhist training hall:

Opposite the temple buildings is the mausoleum of the Honda family who ruled Himeji Castle for about 270 years:

Although most of the buildings are reconstructions, it really is a magnificent temple complex steeped in an atmosphere of Japanese history ( and Hollywood movie-making!).