The gorgeous Mitakidera Temple is the unseen gem ignored by the tourist mobs. Come and discover what they are all missing.
Mitakidera (三瀧寺) really should be at the top of the list for anyone going to visit Hiroshima City. But while so many go to see the Peace Park and museum, very few find this tranquil oasis and end of missing one of Japan’s very finest. Mitaki-dera has a history going back 1200 years, and its name means “Temple of the 3 Waterfalls”. You can actually see several inside, and a flowing stream all around you will help deliver the Japan experience you’ve always wanted – and these days is harder to come by with the huge tourist crowds all around you.
The Mitakidera Temple also suffered damage from the Atomic bombing, being barely more than 3 km from the explosion. The Tahoto Pagoda was moved there in 1951 from Wakayama as a memorial to those killed. Today Mitakidera has a forest ravine stroll with statues on both mountainsides looking down, and a beautiful verdant green that almost glows around you.
For those interested in hiking, you can also go through the temple and take some trails leading up to the 356m mountaintop. Mitaki-dera is also beautiful in late November for its beautiful autumn colors, and their annual Maple Festival is on the 3rd Sunday of November. The cherry blossoms are also beautiful, on average starting around the end of March.
Mitakidera is a 20 minute walk from the JR Kabe Line’s Mitaki Station, on Hiroshima City’s west side. You can also take Bus #22 from Hiroshima Stn to Mitaki Kannon. Admission is 200 yen. Open hours are 8 AM to 5:30 PM (Dec-Feb ~5 PM).
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AloJapan.com