Mitaki Temple
Mitaki Temple
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
145 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
37
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
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Remko G
Hoofddorp, The Netherlands1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
Really worth walking around here for a few hours. The nature, waterfalls and tranquility are beautiful. Many beautiful shrines and statues to see. 10-15 min walk from the station. It is located in a somewhat steep area.
Written April 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
muskietto
Olbia, Italy73 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
It doesn't take a while to come and visit this temple, so I recommend to come because it's really beautiful. The access is from yokogawa where you can arrive with JR Kabe line from Hiroshima station or you can take the chance to ride the Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) n. 7 or 8, just 150 yen the ride. From yokogawa to Mitaki is just two minuts ride on JR Kabe line, 180 yen the ride. But if have the JR pass or the JR Sanyo area pass, as I did, it's free. Once you arrive at the station there are some signals all the way up to the temple, it's a 20 minuts walk. With the station behind you, head to your left and turn right crossing the level crossing. Take the right fork at Saigan-ji Temple and follow the road around to the left, passing a children’s park on the right hand side. The Shingon Buddhist temple dates back to 809, and is located in a steep forested valley on the side of Mt Mitaki-yama. To notice is the Tahōtō two-storied pagoda, that date back to the Muromachi period (1392-1573), relocated from a shrine in Wakayama Prefecture in 1951; a donation to console the souls after the A-bombing. The pagoda is designated as an Prefectural Important Cultural Property. The hiking trail over the mountain is accessible all year round. The trail (marked “Course B”) starts from just inside the temple gate and immediately after passing the Tahōtō pagoda. It’s a fairly steep climb of about 1100m to the 356m high summit, but the view is worth it. The trail to the left (with the city view behind you) takes you along the ridge and drops you at the top end of the temple complex after a bewitching descent through a beautiful bamboo forest. These are the indications that I found on internet, however I dind't have much time to hike the second trail. And there's another trail that begins at the end of the temple ground and it is 1.6 km, maybe it arrives too at the high summit. This place is really beautiful, green and fresh. It's one of the Hiroshima's views that I appreciated the most.
Written May 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piden123
88 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Mitaki Temple was supposed to be an easy way to conclude our stay in Hiroshima with an «OK» last visit. It turned out to be one of our top temple sites in all of Japan, along with the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden temple) in Kyoto, although admittedly very different in nature.
Why is Mitaki temple so interesting?
a. The setting is absolutely gorgeous, a beautiful forest in a mountain slope. Peaceful, quiet, very few tourists.
b. Everywhere you look, I mean everywhere, is a perfect picture opportunity.
c. The pathways, the bridges, the statues, the buildings along the way are amazingly well maintained and merge perfectly with the environment.
d. The forest delivers a few beautiful waterfalls very well integrated in the setting.
e. The admission fee to the temple is announced at 200Y per person, an amazing bargain compared to other temples, although those fees were not even collected when we visited.
We figured that Mitaki maybe less visited because of a perceived transportation challenge. It is really not the case. Here is the very simple way to access the site:
a. Get to Hiroshima station, possibly by tramway.
b. By tickets (190Y from Hiroshima station) to the JR Kabe Line: 3rd stop to Mitaki (10 minutes).
c. Walk to the temple: 15 minutes. Refer to the «You are here» maps along the way as you leave the station and turn left. Getting to the temple implies walking right up the hill for 15 minutes. It will be well worth the effort. If you need advice, ask any local resident you will meet on you way up. They will gladly point the right direction.
Do yourself a favor and be surprised by Mitaki temple. You will return with an experience of pure natural beauty and a camera filled with superb pictures.
Why is Mitaki temple so interesting?
a. The setting is absolutely gorgeous, a beautiful forest in a mountain slope. Peaceful, quiet, very few tourists.
b. Everywhere you look, I mean everywhere, is a perfect picture opportunity.
c. The pathways, the bridges, the statues, the buildings along the way are amazingly well maintained and merge perfectly with the environment.
d. The forest delivers a few beautiful waterfalls very well integrated in the setting.
e. The admission fee to the temple is announced at 200Y per person, an amazing bargain compared to other temples, although those fees were not even collected when we visited.
We figured that Mitaki maybe less visited because of a perceived transportation challenge. It is really not the case. Here is the very simple way to access the site:
a. Get to Hiroshima station, possibly by tramway.
b. By tickets (190Y from Hiroshima station) to the JR Kabe Line: 3rd stop to Mitaki (10 minutes).
c. Walk to the temple: 15 minutes. Refer to the «You are here» maps along the way as you leave the station and turn left. Getting to the temple implies walking right up the hill for 15 minutes. It will be well worth the effort. If you need advice, ask any local resident you will meet on you way up. They will gladly point the right direction.
Do yourself a favor and be surprised by Mitaki temple. You will return with an experience of pure natural beauty and a camera filled with superb pictures.
Written October 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas S
Indiana49 contributions
May 2014 • Family
I am a college professor and took a group of students to all the wonderful sites of Hiroshima. This was my favorite. The natural beauty was unmatched. It was a wonderful place to do a little natural history, see some birds, hear a few frogs all in a magically land of intimate shrines. The Mitaki is the best preserved of these, but I'd say I almost rather preferred the ones that didn't feel as well kept. You could spend hours here exploring and photographing the intimate and subtle beauty of this place. I would say it is a placed not to be missed. If you get there early you will have it all to yourself. Warning though, on the return trip as this is the last stop before Hiroshima if you return during the heavy commute time you will get pushed into the train and will get intimate contact with your fellow commuters.
Written March 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drew M
Ellon, UK2 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
Having visited the various A-bomb sites, the castle, and Shukkeien park, I had exhausted the suggestions in my Rough Guide (apart from the art museum, and I tend to avoid them). I found this place rated highly on TripAdvisor, and thought I'd check it out.
I'm so glad I did. While the A-bomb memorials are obviously worthwhile and sobering, the wee trek up through the trees, crammed with countless Buddha statues was probably the highlight of my stay in Hiroshima. Despite not appearing in my book, I'd say that this is a 100% must-see for anyone visiting.
Breathtaking.
I'm so glad I did. While the A-bomb memorials are obviously worthwhile and sobering, the wee trek up through the trees, crammed with countless Buddha statues was probably the highlight of my stay in Hiroshima. Despite not appearing in my book, I'd say that this is a 100% must-see for anyone visiting.
Breathtaking.
Written April 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yshargal
Haifa, Israel413 contributions
If I had only 4 hours to visit Hiroshima that is where I would go.
It is a temple in the middle of the nature , in complete harmony with its surroundings. You could say the nature is the temple. It is also a big cemetery. It is 7 minutes by train from Hiroshima yet workds away. Beautiful, quiet and inspiring.
To get there: take the Kase train from Hiroshima station to Mitaki station. Going out take to the left, about 200 meters you reach a T junction. Take to the right and start climbing. At the first road split take to the right and at the second to the left. In summer you might want to take a taxi. The climb is about 15 to 20 minutes to the entrance and more inside. You can buy cold drinks along the way.
It is a temple in the middle of the nature , in complete harmony with its surroundings. You could say the nature is the temple. It is also a big cemetery. It is 7 minutes by train from Hiroshima yet workds away. Beautiful, quiet and inspiring.
To get there: take the Kase train from Hiroshima station to Mitaki station. Going out take to the left, about 200 meters you reach a T junction. Take to the right and start climbing. At the first road split take to the right and at the second to the left. In summer you might want to take a taxi. The climb is about 15 to 20 minutes to the entrance and more inside. You can buy cold drinks along the way.
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just-Julie-Cairns
Cairns, Australia869 contributions
Sep 2012 • Friends
I had read about this temple a couple of years ago but did not have the time to visit then. This time we made a special effort to put time aside for the visit. A short train ride to Mitaki station then a 20 minute walk up the hill to the temple. We took a walking trek into the surrounding hillside and ended up bushwalking up behind the temple. An experience for me as I am not used to all the uphill walking, but good exercise!! We returned to the temple, took photos of the waterfalls and statues, and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings in the rainforest. We had shaved ice at the little teahouse and bought a few pottery items from the display. Staff at the teahouse were very friendly and attentive. It was definitely worth the trip from Hiroshima to this temple for it's lovely peaceful gardens and interesting statues.
Written September 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7,620 contributions
Nov 2018
Add time to your Hiroshima visit for at least a half-day at this enchanting temple. It is definitely worth a visit in any season, but it is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves have turned. It was crowded on a gloriously sunny day in autumn, but that was to be expected at this season. The grounds are large enough though that we didn’t feel a crush of crowds but some of the stairs were quite full of people.
The temple grounds climb up the hill of Mount Mitaki. Three waterfalls, after which the temple is named, highlight the meandering paths.
Jizo statues, covered in damp moss, and dressed in red hats and bibs, line walkways and steps. Numerous other Buddhist statues can be found on seemingly every bit of available space. Where there aren’t statues, there are stone lanterns.
The walk through the atmospheric forest does involve steps which can be slippery and uneven. The higher you go, the more difficult the steps. The most interesting for us was the walk through the trees coming upon statues, and ponds, and small shrines.
The trees were not spectacularly in color and that was a disappointment. The requisite and famous red and white pagoda, several temple buildings, a bell tower, a tea house, and more did make for an interesting visit though, with many photo ops.
Mitaki-dera is a 2 stop train ride from Hiroshima on the JR Kabe line and a long 15 or 20 minute walk uphill from the Mitaki JR station, OR a bus ride from Hiroshima station to the Mitaki Kanon bus stop which gets you much closer to the entrance to the temple.
This was our first trip to Japan without the need for a JR Pass, so we took the bus. We probably would have done so anyway given the fact that the walk to the temple was much shorter. On the bus we saw how much uphill driving there was from the Mitaki station to the Mitaki Kanon bus stop and we were quite pleased that we chose the bus. If you plan on going by bus, do get a schedule from the bus station in Hiroshima and do check the return route time. We verified with the driver the location of the bus stop for our trip back to Hiroshima and planned our visit to get back to the bus stop before bus arrived.
Tips for Visitors:
Wear good walking shoes to provide traction on the moss covered potentially slippery stone steps.
Where the sign, Japanese only, says it is not recommended to go further, believe it - there is not much beyond just a dam that presumably serves as protection against flooding.
There are only a few toilets strategically placed, one at the lower level and one midway up the the walk to the summit - use them when you see them.
Food is available at the lower level - bring a snack with you and bottled water.
You can spend the whole morning here if you get an early start, then return to the station, get lunch (or eat at the gift shop cum restaurant at the base of Mitaki) and go to Fudoin.
The temple grounds climb up the hill of Mount Mitaki. Three waterfalls, after which the temple is named, highlight the meandering paths.
Jizo statues, covered in damp moss, and dressed in red hats and bibs, line walkways and steps. Numerous other Buddhist statues can be found on seemingly every bit of available space. Where there aren’t statues, there are stone lanterns.
The walk through the atmospheric forest does involve steps which can be slippery and uneven. The higher you go, the more difficult the steps. The most interesting for us was the walk through the trees coming upon statues, and ponds, and small shrines.
The trees were not spectacularly in color and that was a disappointment. The requisite and famous red and white pagoda, several temple buildings, a bell tower, a tea house, and more did make for an interesting visit though, with many photo ops.
Mitaki-dera is a 2 stop train ride from Hiroshima on the JR Kabe line and a long 15 or 20 minute walk uphill from the Mitaki JR station, OR a bus ride from Hiroshima station to the Mitaki Kanon bus stop which gets you much closer to the entrance to the temple.
This was our first trip to Japan without the need for a JR Pass, so we took the bus. We probably would have done so anyway given the fact that the walk to the temple was much shorter. On the bus we saw how much uphill driving there was from the Mitaki station to the Mitaki Kanon bus stop and we were quite pleased that we chose the bus. If you plan on going by bus, do get a schedule from the bus station in Hiroshima and do check the return route time. We verified with the driver the location of the bus stop for our trip back to Hiroshima and planned our visit to get back to the bus stop before bus arrived.
Tips for Visitors:
Wear good walking shoes to provide traction on the moss covered potentially slippery stone steps.
Where the sign, Japanese only, says it is not recommended to go further, believe it - there is not much beyond just a dam that presumably serves as protection against flooding.
There are only a few toilets strategically placed, one at the lower level and one midway up the the walk to the summit - use them when you see them.
Food is available at the lower level - bring a snack with you and bottled water.
You can spend the whole morning here if you get an early start, then return to the station, get lunch (or eat at the gift shop cum restaurant at the base of Mitaki) and go to Fudoin.
Written August 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LxHi
Australia3 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I wanted to go here after reading reviews on Tripadvisor and was extremely glad that I did!
The place was really easy to get to and was a short 20 minute tram and train ride from where we were staying near the A Bomb Dome. Once you get off at Mitaki Station, there are maps to direct you to the temple which was a 10-15 minute walk through a quiet and lovely town.
Mitaki Temple is more than just a temple. There are waterfalls and several uphill trails which allows you to explore the hundreds of statues in every crook and cranny.
It had such a peaceful and zen atmosphere; we spent several hours here yet saw only a handful of people.
If you make the effort to go here, you won't be disappointed!
The place was really easy to get to and was a short 20 minute tram and train ride from where we were staying near the A Bomb Dome. Once you get off at Mitaki Station, there are maps to direct you to the temple which was a 10-15 minute walk through a quiet and lovely town.
Mitaki Temple is more than just a temple. There are waterfalls and several uphill trails which allows you to explore the hundreds of statues in every crook and cranny.
It had such a peaceful and zen atmosphere; we spent several hours here yet saw only a handful of people.
If you make the effort to go here, you won't be disappointed!
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruton_G_Gaster
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK3 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Wonderful temple and surrounding grounds, which are resplendent with Buddhist statues. Visited during a period of inclement weather, which was a bonus as a) the place was deserted and b) the increased water flow added to the impressiveness of the various streams and waterfalls.
Take the JR Kabe line from Hiroshima station to Mitaki station (3rd stop - approximately 8 minutes). There are informational boards from the Mitaki station exit through to the temple, which provide clear directions. A steady 10-15 minute uphill climb to the temple entrance, followed by several sets of stairs to the temple itself.
Take the JR Kabe line from Hiroshima station to Mitaki station (3rd stop - approximately 8 minutes). There are informational boards from the Mitaki station exit through to the temple, which provide clear directions. A steady 10-15 minute uphill climb to the temple entrance, followed by several sets of stairs to the temple itself.
Written April 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time should be set aside to visit Mitaki temple?
Written July 25, 2017
I agree that between one and two hours would be good. If you are concerned about how to get there by public transport, I suggest that you take a taxi and ask the driver to return to collect you at a given time.
Don't short change your time there. The tranquility of the place is such that you will want to just sit quietly and take in the atmosphere.
Written July 26, 2017
Is is possible to visit any day of the week?
Written April 8, 2017
The hiking route might be closed at 03:00 PM (15:00), perhaps to deter hikers to miss the temple gate closure time which is at 05:00 PM (17:00).
Written March 27, 2018
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