[2025 Himeji ] Travel Guide for Mt. Shosha Autumn Leaf Festival 2024 (Updated Mar)

Every autumn, the stunning red foliage across Japan captivates hearts, and Shoshazan in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a secluded haven for viewing these vibrant leaves. This place is not only perfect for admiring the autumn colors but also a serene spot where culture and nature intertwine. I took a cable car up to Shoshazan, and the red leaves gradually came into view, as if surrounded by a fiery red canvas. One of the most iconic spots on the mountain is Engyoji Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple nestled among the layers of red leaves, blending seamlessly with the forest. Walking into the temple's Lecture Hall, Dining Hall, and Main Hall, each building exudes an ancient and solemn atmosphere, as if transporting me back to ancient Japan. The cool autumn air envelops Shoshazan, and as I walked along the path covered with fallen leaves, I discovered new angles to appreciate the beauty of the red foliage. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the enchanting light and shadows cast on the red leaves by the sun. 📍 **Address**: 2968 Shoshazan, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 🕒 **Opening Hours**: Cable car operation hours 9:00-17:00 (adjusted according to sunset time in autumn) 💴 **Admission**: Engyoji Temple entrance fee 500 yen, round-trip cable car ticket 1,500 yen

During the red leaf season, Shuishan Mountain is like a vivid natural picture, with red, orange and yellow colors all over the mountains and plains intertwining into a stunning scenery. Shuishu Mountain not only attracts tourists with the ancient ruins of Enkyo Temple, but also has rich natural resources. Especially during the red maple season, the entire mountain forest exudes rich phytoncide, which makes people relax physically and mentally. #### feature 1. **Natural beauty with four distinct seasons** The red maple season is the most charming moment in Shuishu Mountain. The bright red maple leaves contrast with the surrounding ancient buildings, making it especially suitable for photography and relaxation. Along the trail, maple leaves cover the ground, like stepping on a red carpet. 2. **Phytoncide Baptism** Writing Mountain is famous for its dense forests. The phytoncides released by the trees here not only purify the air, but also help relieve stress. It is the best place to heal the soul. Whether you are sitting in meditation or taking a relaxing walk, you can feel the embrace of nature. 3. **Combination of Culture and Nature** During the climb, in addition to admiring the natural beauty, you can also see the various historical sites of Enkyo Temple, such as Maniden, Niomon, etc. These ancient buildings are intertwined with the red leaves, forming a unique Japanese style picture. 4. **Outdoor activities for the whole family** The trails on Shushan Mountain are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for hikers and families to enjoy this journey. The cable car option is more suitable for visitors who want to get to the top of the mountain quickly. #### Practical information 📍 **Address**: Shushuzan Enkyo Temple, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture ⏰ **Recommended time**: The best time for red maple season is mid-to-late November 💰 **Entry fee**: 500 yen #### Reasons for recommendation 1. **The preferred location for taking photos of red leaves**: The red maple scenery and ancient buildings in the mountain forest are a paradise for photographers. 2. **A quiet forest away from the hustle and bustle of the city**: Come here to relax and enjoy a deep connection with nature. 3. **Rich cultural experience**: While strolling, you can not only feel the beauty of nature, but also explore the historical value of Japanese Buddhist architecture. #### Tips 1. **Recommended Wear**: Comfortable shoes and a windproof jacket for hiking convenience and warmth. 2. **Photography Tips**: Under the slanting sunlight in the morning, the colors of the maple leaves are more vivid, which is the best time to take pictures. 3. **Carry water and snacks**: Replenish energy along the way to make hiking more relaxed and enjoyable. 📸 **#书山红MAPLE** **#Enjiaoji** **#红叶amble** **#日本Autumn Scenery** **#福多精 forest** #2024Travel Review

In autumn, Shoshazan (Shoshazan) is dotted with fiery red and golden maple leaves, creating a dreamlike scene. It is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts and photography fans. There are many trails in Shosha Mountain, along which you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery and historical and cultural relics. Especially in autumn when the maple leaves turn red, the scenery is as beautiful as a poem and a picture. #### The characteristics of writing mountain 1. **Various trail options** Shoshazan offers a variety of trails of varying difficulty, from easy walks to challenging routes, suitable for all types of hiking needs. Each trail is surrounded by maple and mangrove forests, allowing people to immerse themselves in the embrace of nature. 2. **Red maple leaves and ancient temples blend together** During the hike, you can visit ancient temples such as Shoshazan Engyoji Temple. The quaint temples and colorful maple leaves complement each other, and the scenery is breathtaking. 3. **Overlooking the vast scenery** From the top of Mt. Shosha, you can overlook the magnificent view of the Harima Plain. When the weather is clear, you can even see the Seto Inland Sea. It is definitely a visual enjoyment. #### Useful Information 📍 **Address**: Shoshazan, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture ⏰ **Best season**: November to December every year when maple leaves are at their peak 💰 **Transportation Tips**: You can take the Shashushan Cable Car to the top of the mountain to save energy before exploring the trails #### Reasons for recommendation 1. **In-depth natural experience**: The entire trail is surrounded by the beauty of red maple leaves, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of the world and deeply experience nature. 2. **Combination of culture and hiking**: The trail passes through many historical sites, adding richness to the journey. 3. **Suitable for the whole family**: The difficulty of the trails is graded, suitable for families with the elderly or children to participate. #### Tips 1. **Dressing recommendations**: It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes, bring a warm jacket and drinking water when hiking. 2. **Avoid the crowds**: It is recommended to visit early in the morning on weekdays to enjoy a quieter hiking environment. 3. **Photography highlights**: The view from the top of the mountain and the area around Yuanjiao Temple are great places to photograph maple leaves, so remember to bring your camera! 📸 **#Shoshayama Hiking** **#Enkyoji Maple Red** **#JapanRedLeafTravel** **#Nature&CultureFusion** **#AutumnHikingRecommendations** #2024TravelReview