The Shosha-san Momiji Matsuri (Mount Shosha Autumn Foliage Festival) will take place at Shoshazan Engyoji Temple in Himeji, offering visitors a rare opportunity to view Important Cultural Properties and experience illuminated autumn scenery.
Event Overview
When: November 21 (Friday) - November 23 (Sunday), 2025
Special Opening Hours:
- Cultural Property Tours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Autumn Foliage Illumination: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, 2968 Shosha, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Special Cultural Property Access
During the festival period, three Important Cultural Properties normally closed to the public will be open for viewing.
Featured Cultural Properties
Jūmyō-in Temple
- Interior access and viewing of Kanō Einou's fusuma paintings
- Designated Important Cultural Property
Kongō-dō Hall
- Interior access with ceiling paintings
- Designated Important Cultural Property
Kaisan-dō Hall
- Interior access with wooden statue of Shoku seated
- Designated Important Cultural Property
All cultural property viewings take place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily during the festival.
Autumn Foliage Illumination
This year's illumination extends beyond the festival dates, creating more opportunities to experience the evening light displays.
Illumination Schedule
Illumination Dates:
- November 15 (Saturday) - 16 (Sunday)
- November 21 (Friday) - 24 (Monday)
- November 29 (Saturday) - 30 (Sunday)
- December 6 (Saturday) - 7 (Sunday)
Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The illumination focuses on the area surrounding Mani-den Hall. The hall itself will remain open until 8:00 PM during illumination periods.
Taiko Drum Performance
"Tenchijin" Performance
When: November 15 (Saturday), 2025, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM (scheduled)
Where: Jōgyō-dō Hall, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Admission: Free to watch (event cancelled in severe weather)
Featured Artist: Yosuke and ensemble
About Yosuke
Yosuke joined the Sado Island-based taiko ensemble Kodo in 1999, becoming a core member who performed across all 47 Japanese prefectures and in 30 countries worldwide. He also conducted taiko workshops internationally during his time with the group. After leaving Kodo in 2017, he established his base in Himeji and continues his career as a taiko performer.
Stamp Rally
Period: November 21 (Friday) - November 30 (Sunday), 2025 (except November 25)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM daily
Stamp Locations
- Mani-den Hall
- San-no-dō (Three Halls)
- Kaisan-dō Hall
- Shosha-san Ropeway (Mountain Station)
- Himeji City Shosha-no-Sato Museum of Arts and Crafts
Prize Distribution
Completed stamp cards can be exchanged for prizes at Himeji City Shosha-no-Sato Museum of Arts and Crafts (10:00 AM - 4:30 PM). Museum admission required.
Access Information
From JR/Sanyo Electric Railway Himeji Station:
Take Shinki Bus from Platform 10 to "Shoshazan Ropeway" (approximately 30 minutes to final stop)
Board the ropeway to the mountain station (approximately 4 minutes)
Walk approximately 20 minutes to Mani-den Hall
Transportation Recommendation: Public transportation is strongly recommended during the festival period due to expected heavy congestion.
Ropeway Information
Operating Hours:
- Regular service: First departure 8:30 AM, departures every 15 minutes
- Illumination evenings: Extended until 7:15 PM (upbound), 8:30 PM (downbound)
- Additional trains operate during busy periods
Fares:
- Round trip: Adults (age 13+) ¥1,200, Children (age 6-12) ¥600
Temple Admission
Entrance Fees:
- Ages 13+: ¥500
- Elementary students: ¥300
- Under elementary age: Free
Extended Museum Hours
Himeji City Shosha-no-Sato Museum of Arts and Crafts extends its hours until 8:00 PM from November 21-23, allowing visitors to enjoy both the museum and illuminated autumn foliage during evening hours.
Important Notes
- Cultural property access may be cancelled during rain for preservation purposes
- All times and schedules are subject to change
- Visitors should check current conditions before visiting
Contact Information
- Himeji City Tourism Convention Office: 079-221-1520
- Shosha-san Ropeway: 079-266-2006
- Shoshazan Engyoji Temple: 079-266-3327
- Himeji City Shosha-no-Sato Museum of Arts and Crafts: 079-267-0301
Websites:
