Mitaki Temple

Mitaki Temple, located northwest of Hiroshima City in a valley on Mt. Mitaki (also called Mt. Uematsu or Mt. Soko) at an elevation of 356 meters, is well known for its Mitaki Kannon (Goddess of Mercy).

This is one of the most beautiful temples we have ever been to, friends visiting after Kyoto always say they prefer Mitaki temple to even the most famous of Kyoto.
Mitaki is a special treat during Hanami. The blossoms on the cherry trees that are dotted around grounds, give the place a brighter, more cheery character than in other seasons.

Mt. Mitaki is also called Mt. Soko as the mountain on which Soko Ueda, a master of the tea ceremony.
Walking around the temple, you can hear the sound of water flowing from three different streams. Each of these streams originating at a waterfalls (Mitaki Temple means "Three Waterfalls Temple").

In the Edo period, however, it was also called Rosenji Temple ("Waterfall Springs Temple").
Mitaki's red two-storied pagoda was originally built on the grounds of the Hirohachiban Shrine in Wakayama, but was moved here in 1951 to comfort the souls of those who perished from the atomic bomb. It is thought to date back to the Muromachi period (1392 - 1573).
Inside the pagoda rests a wooden seated image of the Buddha Amida, an Important National Cultural Asset from the Heian period (794 - 1192). A beautiful lyrical poem "Mitaki Temple", a lengthy composition written by the late poet Atsuo Oki, is written on the side of the temple.

To get there:
Bus: From Hatchobori, take bus to Mitaki Kannon. From there, it's a 10-minute walk. JR: From Hiroshima Station, take train on JR Kabe Line (kudari) and get off at Mitaki-Eki (Mitaki Station). From there, it's a 20-minute walk.

Parking
30 spaces available

"This is a great temple if you get a chance to come then you better take it."
Anonymity Personified.Fri Apr 2005
I liked this temple. Whevever someone comes to visit us we always take them to Mitaki because of the beautiful scenery and because it is so peaceful. If you come to Hiroshima then you have to come to Mitaki Temple!

"Exilerating & outstanding experience"
Richard - Mon Mar 2005
I lived in Hiroshima for only over six years but made Mitaka a must every season. I agree with the previous reviewer. However, they left out the winter visit including hot sake gruel at the tea shop.

"A special place that needs to be experienced at least once in each of the four seasons to be truly appreciated."
Anonymity Personified.Mon Apr 2003
I lived in Hiroshima for a total of ten years and always found mitaki to be worth visiting at any time of the year and in whatever mood I was in at the time. In my opinion the best times to visit mitaki are first and foremost after really heavy rain when the three waterfalls are at their most impressive, in the autumn and during hanami though I would advise going mid week as it is not so crowded and the hanami entertainment is more shamisen than karaoke. There is a restaurant/antique shop on your right as you enter the grounds of Mitaki which offers very good traditional Japanese food, at least it did three years ago. If you live in Hiroshima and have never been this week/ this weekend would be a good time to go.