The Mt. Shosha Fresh Greenery Festival will take place over three days — May 3 (Sunday/holiday) through May 5 (Tuesday/holiday), 2026 — from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. Co-hosted by Himeji City and Engyoji Temple (書寫山圓教寺), the festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy the lush spring greenery of Mt. Shosha alongside special exhibitions of the temple's treasured cultural properties.
Special Opening of Important Cultural Properties at Engyoji Temple
During the festival period (May 3–5, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM), the following Important Cultural Properties will be specially opened to the public:
- Interior of the Great Lecture Hall (大講堂) and the Shakyamuni Triad and Four Heavenly Kings statues — nationally designated Important Cultural Properties
- Interior of the Jogyo-do Hall (常行堂) and the Amida Nyorai Seated Statue — nationally designated Important Cultural Property
- Honda Family Mausoleum (本多家廟屋) — prefecturally designated Cultural Property
Note: Due to cultural property preservation, the special openings may be cancelled during rainy weather.
Access and Admission
From JR or Sanyo Electric Railway Himeji Station, take the Shinki Bus from platform No. 10 bound for "Shosha-san Ropeway" and get off at the last stop (approximately 30 minutes). From there, take the ropeway to the mountaintop station (approximately 4 minutes) and walk approximately 20 minutes to Mani-den Hall.
Heavy congestion is expected during the festival period. As parking is limited, visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.
Shosha-san Ropeway
- Operating hours: First departure at 8:30 AM, last descent at 7:00 PM (every 15 minutes; additional services during peak times)
- Fare: Adults round-trip ¥1,200 / Children round-trip ¥600
- Visitors riding with a children's ticket will receive a limited-edition original keychain, while supplies last (first 50 per day on May 3–5)
Shosha-san Ropeway official website
Engyoji Temple
- Admission (entry donation): Junior high school students and above: ¥800 / Elementary school students: ¥500 / Preschool children: Free
- Note: If using the mountaintop microbus, an additional fare of ¥500 is required.
