The Last Samurai - visiting Shosha-san

Mt. Shosha, or Shosha-san as its known to the locals, is located about a 40-minute bike ride away from my apartment. Another 40-minute moutain climb and you can arrive at the Engyoji temple ground.

According to Kansai Scene magazine, "The chronicle about the origin of this district says that in AD 966 the Buddhist priest Shoku received spiritual enlightenment from Monju, the God of Wisdom and Intellect. The God also advised Shoku that anyone who climbed Shosha-san would be purified both physically and spiritually. Following this belief Shoshasan became popular and principal Buddhist priests visited in order to be advised by Shoku. Even until today Shosha-san and its major temple Maniden are visited by many pilgrims throughout the year."

The area was beautiful, with moutain paths and walking trails through stunning clearings. From one shady spot, where a set of picnic tables are provided as well as benches for enjoying the sight and a quick snack. You can even take a ropeway up the mountain, which is especially nice after a long lost bike ride there. From Himeji station there are buses that leave for Mt. Shosha pretty regurlarly.

While Shosha-san might be a famous spot for pilgrimages and studying Buddhism, recently it is more famous for being the first place that Ken Wantanabe and Tom Cruise talked in the 2003 blockbuster The Last Samurai. Many of my students have noted this movie as being their favorite film, while others kind of shrug it off.