Mitaki-dera Temple
A serene Buddhist temple nestled in a lush valley, offering a peaceful escape with moss-covered steps and hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the few locals
Mitaki-dera Temple
Best Time
Escape the few locals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple nestled in a lush valley, offering a peaceful escape with moss-covered steps and hiking trails.
"An incredible hidden gem of Hiroshima. Not crowded, peaceful, well-kept and beautiful."
Hidden Gem Alert! 💎
This temple is a local favorite, offering a peaceful experience away from major tourist crowds.
Uphill Walk Ahead 🚶♀️
Be prepared for an uphill walk from JR Mitaki station. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moss-Covered Steps
Temple grounds
Wander through ancient, moss-laden steps that lead you deeper into the temple's spiritual heart.
Red Pagoda
Hillside
A striking red pagoda, a classic symbol of Japanese Buddhism, nestled beautifully against the green hillside.
Valley Stream
Temple approach
Follow the gentle murmur of a small stream as it winds through the valley, offering a cool and pleasant walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Nature & Wildlife Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hidden Gem Alert! 💎
This temple is a local favorite, offering a peaceful experience away from major tourist crowds.
Uphill Walk Ahead 🚶♀️
Be prepared for an uphill walk from JR Mitaki station. Comfortable shoes are a must!
My recommendation in Hiroshima
Wildlife Watch 🐍
Hikers should be aware of potential wildlife like snakes. Stick to marked trails.
E-bike Option 🚲
Consider renting an e-bike from JR Yokogawa station for a scenic 15-min ride.
Hiroshima suggestions
Tips
from all over the internet
Hidden Gem Alert! 💎
This temple is a local favorite, offering a peaceful experience away from major tourist crowds.
Uphill Walk Ahead 🚶♀️
Be prepared for an uphill walk from JR Mitaki station. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Wildlife Watch 🐍
Hikers should be aware of potential wildlife like snakes. Stick to marked trails.
E-bike Option 🚲
Consider renting an e-bike from JR Yokogawa station for a scenic 15-min ride.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mitaki-dera Temple is lauded as a beautiful, serene, and uncrowded hidden gem on the outskirts of Hiroshima. Visitors appreciate its natural setting, moss-covered steps, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect escape. Some note the uphill walk and the presence of wildlife on hiking trails.
"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)."
Mr. Momo
"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."
Big Dream
"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."
Reiko L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a 8-minute train ride from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Mitaki Station, followed by a 20-minute uphill walk. Alternatively, get off at JR Yokogawa Station and rent an e-bike for a 15-minute ride through local streets.
Yes, it's accessible via JR train to Mitaki Station, though the final walk is uphill. E-bike rentals from Yokogawa Station offer another convenient option.
The walk from JR Mitaki station is paved but uphill. Renting an e-bike from JR Yokogawa station might be a more comfortable option for some.
Yes, it's possible to walk from the heart of Hiroshima, which can take about an hour, offering a scenic route past bridges and backstreets.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but e-bike rentals from nearby stations are a popular alternative for those arriving by train.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required for entry to Mitaki-dera Temple, suggesting it's freely accessible.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but as a temple complex, it's generally expected to be accessible during daylight hours.
Based on traveler accounts, Mitaki-dera Temple appears to be a free-to-enter site, contributing to its 'hidden gem' status.
While the temple is accessible year-round, the lush greenery and serene atmosphere are particularly appealing during spring and autumn.
Visitors are advised to be mindful of the natural surroundings and potential wildlife. Respectful behavior within the temple grounds is expected.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Explore the serene temple grounds, walk along the valley stream, admire the moss-covered steps and the red pagoda, and consider hiking the trails for panoramic views.
Mitaki-dera Temple is known for being uncrowded, offering a peaceful experience even though it's relatively close to Hiroshima city.
Yes, there are hiking trails that start from the temple and lead deeper into the surrounding mountains, offering opportunities for exploration.
The temple has a serene, spiritual, and tranquil atmosphere, wrapped in lush green nature, making it feel like a secret discovery.
Absolutely! The moss-covered steps, red pagoda, and natural surroundings provide beautiful and atmospheric photo opportunities.
🎫 🐍 Nature & Safety
While the area is rich in nature, visitors should be aware of potential wildlife such as spiders and snakes. Bears have also been mentioned in the vicinity.
The hiking trails are beautiful but require caution due to the presence of wildlife. Sticking to marked paths is recommended for safety.
It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid straying from marked trails to minimize risks.
One tip suggests being careful if you are over 180cm tall, implying potential for low-hanging branches or other obstacles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to supervise children closely, especially near the stream and on any hiking paths, due to the natural environment and potential for wildlife. The uphill walk from JR Mitaki station might be a consideration for very young children or strollers, so the e-bike option from JR Yokogawa Station could be a more manageable alternative.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water is also a good idea, as dining options directly at the temple are not prominent. The opportunity to enjoy nature, serene temple grounds, and hiking trails without significant expense makes it a highly valuable experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The natural setting, with the gentle stream and surrounding forest, offers opportunities for landscape and nature photography. The lack of crowds means you can often capture these scenes without significant obstruction, allowing for more creative compositions. Visiting during different times of day can also yield varied lighting conditions for unique shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Mitaki-dera: Your Transport Options
For those who prefer a slightly different approach or want to enjoy more of the local scenery, consider alighting at JR Yokogawa Station. From Yokogawa, you can rent an e-bike. This option allows for a pleasant 15-minute ride through the local streets, offering a more relaxed and scenic way to approach the temple. This can be particularly appealing if you want to avoid the uphill walk from Mitaki Station.
While a direct walk from Hiroshima city center is possible, it's a longer endeavor, estimated at about an hour. This route takes you past bridges and through backstreets, trading urban sounds for the eventual tranquility of nature. It's a good option for those who enjoy a substantial walk and want to immerse themselves in the journey.
The Serene Atmosphere of Mitaki-dera
The experience is further enhanced by the natural elements. Moss-covered steps lead you deeper into the spiritual heart of the temple, and the vibrant red pagoda stands out beautifully against the verdant backdrop. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the spiritual essence of the site. Many describe it as a 'whisper' or a 'breath,' a place that reveals itself to those who take the time to slow down and notice.
Unlike heavily touristed sites, Mitaki-dera is well-known to locals but visited by few international tourists. This lack of crowds contributes significantly to its serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet hour of stillness and a genuine connection with Japanese nature and spirituality.
Hiking and Nature at Mitaki-dera
However, it's crucial to approach these trails with awareness. The natural setting means that wildlife is present. Travelers have noted the possibility of encountering spiders and snakes, and in some instances, even bears have been mentioned in the broader area. Therefore, caution is advised, and sticking to marked trails is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
Even if you don't plan on extensive hiking, the walk along the small stream in the valley leading to the temple is very pleasant and keeps temperatures agreeable, especially during warmer months. The natural setting is a significant part of Mitaki-dera's appeal, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit