Its a major temple so very safe. As it is mainly accessible by cable car, you are guaranteed to have other travellers with you when you disembark. There are officials at the cable car, temple and other buildings and also monks. In mid November there did not appear to be too many travellers on the mountain but we were never truly alone and the cable cars, which run every 15 minutes & hold about 60 people were almost full. Buy a round ticket for the bus/ropeway from the ticket office at the train station. Its a magical place and definitely worth a visit.

No problem if you do not speak Japanese. The people in Japan knows exactly what you want if you just give them some indication, for example prepared info or photo on a paper or your smartphone. Furthermore reservation is not needed for Shoshazan Engyoji.

From memory, waiting for the bus, the bus trip to the rope way, the rope way itself and then walking around the area - would have taken a good 2+ hours. I'd allow 3 - 4 hours to visit there. Do I think it was worth it, yes. It was so peaceful and serene up in the mountain and the Shrine is stunning. Himeji Castle in contrast has so many people visiting.

Yes, Saturday is same as weekdays. Enjoy !

we caught a bus to the shoshazan ropeway from the himeji bus stops opposite the train station, it is clearly signposted and i believe that tourist information leaflets tell you what number bus to catch. This bus also stops outside the entrance to himeji castle. it takes about 20 mins by bus. it is well worth going but can get busy after lunchtime.