What other travelers are saying about Mitaki-dera Temple
Cycled with a tour up the hill to this sacred place. The waterfalls were gentle in places and ferocious in others (it was raining today). Set into the hillside this holy place was calm and at one with nature. Worth the trek.
Very beautiful temple complex on the outskirts of Hiroshima.
You walk along a small stream in a valley, which makes the temperatures very pleasant.
Adjacent are several hiking trails that take you deeper into the Hiroshima mountains.
There are not that many tourists, although you can reach the site with a 20 min train ride (then another 20 min walk, uphill).
Nestled in a lush green setting, Mitaki-dera is a place of serenity and spirituality. Its wooden structures, weathered by time and the elements, enhance its authentic charm and bear witness to its centuries-old history.
Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the loop trail starting from the temple, providing full immersion in the surrounding forest. However, caution is advised, as the area is home to wildlife, including snakes and occasionally even bears.
This serene temple is well known to the locals.
Although it is located less than 30 minutes (8 minutes by train & over 20 minutes walk) from JR Hiroshima station, few tourists visit here.
The road from JR Mitaki station is paved but uphill.
Other choice is get off at JR Yokogawa station and rent the e bike. It will take about 15 minutes from Yokogawa station and you can enjoy the local streets.
Mitaki-dera: A Quiet Hour to Stillness
From the heart of Hiroshima, I wandered on foot—an hour’s stroll past bridges and backstreets, trading city buzz for birdsong. The path gently rises, and soon, Mitaki-dera reveals itself like a secret.
Moss-covered steps, red pagoda tucked into the hillside, and waterfalls murmuring softly through the trees. It’s a temple wrapped in green, where even time seems to pause.
This isn’t a tourist spot—it’s a whisper. A breath. A temple that finds you only if you slow down enough to notice.
Visitors are drawn to Mitaki-dera for its tranquil beauty, historical significance dating back to 809, and over 300 stone Buddha statues that dot the landscape. The temple offers a unique opportunity to experience peace and spirituality while being enveloped by nature. It's also an ideal spot for autumnal excursions due to the stunning foliage.
To reach Mitaki-dera, head towards the north-west of Hiroshima. Once you arrive at the temple grounds, take the left path past one of the temple's namesake waterfalls to get to Mitakidera. The temple is nestled in a heavily forested valley on Mount Mitaki-yama.
Aside from exploring the temple buildings and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the three waterfalls within the temple grounds. The area is also perfect for hiking, with paths leading through the verdant forests surrounding the temple. During the autumn months, the temple becomes a popular spot for viewing the spectacular fall colors.
Yes, there are several hotels near Mitaki-dera for those wishing to stay overnight. Notable options include the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (approximately 1.89 miles away) and other accommodations suited to various budgets and preferences.
While Mitaki-dera is beautiful year-round, the best times to visit are during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in autumn, when the foliage turns vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the temple's peaceful environment.
