Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple) is a Tendai-sect Buddhist temple landmark in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and a filming location for The Last Samurai (2003) and Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021). It was designed by Shōku (Shōku Shōnin), founding monk.
Location: Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Verified facts
- Located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-10616 - Appeared in The Last Samurai (movie, 2003)
confidence 70/100 · 2 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-10616 - Historic designation: National Historic Site (precincts); Important Cultural Properties (multiple buildings)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-12871, SRC-12199 - Designed by Shōku (Shōku Shōnin), founding monk
confidence 90/100 · 4 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-12199, SRC-12871, SRC-13950 - Architectural style: Tendai-sect Buddhist temple architecture
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-12199, SRC-12463 - Historic designation: Important Cultural Property (Japan) — multiple temple buildings, including the Dai-kōdō (large lecture hall) and Jikidō (dining hall)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-12199, SRC-12463 - Appeared in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (movie, 2021)
confidence 75/100 · 3 independent sources · SRC-10879, SRC-12013, SRC-12464
Evidence & sources
- SRC-10616 — https://movie-locations.com/movies/l/Last-Samurai.php (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-10879 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engy%C5%8D-ji (Tier 1, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12013 — https://www.sceen-it.com/sceen/5220/Snake-Eyes-G-I-Joe-Origins/Shoshazan-Engyoji-Temple (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12199 — https://visit-himeji.com/en/sightseeing/shoshazan-engyo-ji-temple/ (Tier 3, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12463 — GOOD LUCK TRIP — Shoshazan Engyoji Temple (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12464 — The Cinemaholic — Where Was Snake Eyes (2021) Filmed? (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-12871 — Kanpai Japan – Engyo-ji, Mount Shosha in Himeji (Tier 2, reference; retrieved June 2026)
- SRC-13950 — Travel Japan (JNTO, Japan National Tourism Organization) — Practice Zen at Shoshazan Engyoji Temple (Tier 1, reference; retrieved July 2026)
How we verify
Every fact above is independently corroborated by at least two reputable sources and
confidence-scored before publication. Claims that cannot clear that bar are withheld. We show the
street address only for non-residential public landmarks (museums, commercial and civic buildings,
publicly documented filming-location sites); the exact addresses of private residences and any
personal information are structurally barred from publication. Last reviewed June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins filmed?
Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple), in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. This property has also appeared on screen in The Last Samurai.
Where was The Last Samurai filmed?
Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple), in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a real-world filming location used for The Last Samurai. This property has also appeared on screen in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins.
Who designed Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple)?
Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple) was designed by Shōku (Shōku Shōnin), founding monk.
Where is Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple) located?
Engyō-ji (Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple) is located in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture.