Hiroshima’s Hidden Gem
Hiroshima is best known for its Peace Park, A-Bomb Dome, and Miyajima. However, not far from the city lies a beautiful and quiet site, Mitaki Temple, that is hidden among nature. Just a 10-minute ride away from Hiroshima Station, this stunning temple is a must when visiting the Hiroshima area.
Mitaki Temple: Escape the City
Getting to Mitaki Temple may be a little complex, but the refreshing nature surrounding the temple area is a great escape from the city. Mitaki’s strong point is definitely its atmosphere. I guarantee you will walk out of there feeling refreshed and relaxed.
One of the great things about this temple is that exploring the area and visiting the temple is free. Major temples almost always make you pay to enter, but Mitaki Temple is both calming and good for your wallet.
As soon as you arrive on the doorstep of Mount Mitaki, you are surrounded by thick, green trees, providing a refreshing and cooling escape from the sun. The path through the area before you reach the actual temple is long, but you are never bored as you venture through the mountain.
You will notice numerous statues of Buddha and Jizo (the protector of women, children, and travelers) are scattered throughout the mountainside, green with moss and all the more enchanting. The area has so many things to offer, you won’t know which way to look. Apart from the temple, the area has a small Japanese-style garden, a few waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. You will find the main temple at the farthest point of the path up the mountain.
Here, there is Mitaki Temple’s main hall, as well as many more intricate and striking statues among the mountain walls.
Venture into the Bamboo Forest
Further beyond the main temple, if you are up for a hike through the mountains, there is a bamboo forest not far into the woods. You can access the trail by following some stone stairs, located behind the temple, up to the top of the hill. From there, your small hike begins. It took me and my brother about 10 minutes to reach there.
When we went, a recent mudslide had washed away the path, so be careful when going through that area. It may not look like much of a path, but there was a clear area with less trees that made a makeshift path for us to follow.
In addition to this trail, there are others you can take to explore different parts of the mountain, some with spectacular views. If you get hungry or thirsty after your hike, there is a restaurant at the foot of the mountain near the parking lot.
Mitaki is such a calming and stunning place that you can visit any time of the year and still be in awe of its beauty.
How to Get There
From Hiroshima station, take the JR Kabe line to Mitaki station (approximately 10 minutes). After exiting the station, head left until you come to a three-way intersection and dead end.
From there, turn right onto the main road and follow the road all the way up the hill until you reach a bend in the road at a park.
Instead of continuing on this road, go further up the hill (a slight left) and take that road all the way up to the temple area. The walk is about 15 minutes.
If you love nature and are looking for a change of scenery, Mitaki Temple is one place you do not want to miss while in Hiroshima. With its energizing atmosphere and stunning scenery, it offers something for everyone.
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