The Last Samurai Movie Film Locations in Japan - Day trip to Mount Shoshazan Engyoji temple in Himeji

In October 2017, I traveled in Japan using the JR pass. While I was planning my rail pass itinerary, I came across the idea of visiting The Last Samurai film locations at Mount Shoshazan 書写山 Engyoji 圓教寺 temple in Himeji 姫路. I realized travel blog resources were lacking on visiting many off the beaten path or road less traveled destinations in Japan, I decided to share my own day trip travel experience of visiting film locations of one of my favorite movies The Last Samurai, which embraces deep rooted Japanese culture of Bushido 武士道 or the way of Samurai warriors.

Project Shinkansen 2017 - Island Hop between Okinawa, Kyushu and Western Japan with Japan Rail Pass

In October 2017, I took my "annual" trip in Japan, I visited Okinawa 沖縄 and then started my 7-day Japan Rail Pass journey between Kyushu 九州, Shimane 島根, Tottori 鳥取, Wakayama 和歌山, Mie 三重, Izu 伊豆, and Tokyo areas. The itinerary seemed to be very busy but it was kept at an enjoyable pace due careful planning and nice traditional Onsen hot spring soak to rejuvenate our travel souls. This trip was my 4th trip using Japan Rail Pass, I am dedicating this blog post to share my detailed daily itinerary, travel tips and recommendations.