Taho-to Pagoda
1 / 10

Mitaki-dera Temple

4.6
·1k reviews·Hiroshima, Japan

A serene Buddhist temple nestled in a lush valley, offering a peaceful escape with moss-covered steps and hiking trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Escape the few locals

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Taho-to Pagoda

Mitaki-dera Temple

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Escape the few locals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Buddhist temple nestled in a lush valley, offering a peaceful escape with moss-covered steps and hiking trails.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"An incredible hidden gem of Hiroshima. Not crowded, peaceful, well-kept and beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

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!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,202 reviews

Type

Buddhist Temple

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moss-Covered Steps

Moss-Covered Steps

Temple grounds

Wander through ancient, moss-laden steps that lead you deeper into the temple's spiritual heart.

Red Pagoda

Red Pagoda

Hillside

A striking red pagoda, a classic symbol of Japanese Buddhism, nestled beautifully against the green hillside.

Valley Stream

Valley Stream

Temple approach

Follow the gentle murmur of a small stream as it winds through the valley, offering a cool and pleasant walk.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Mitaki-dera Temple is a peaceful escape from Hiroshima's city bustle. Arrive early to fully soak in the serene atmosphere and avoid the few local visitors. Be prepared for an uphill walk from the station.

Nature & Wildlife Awareness

The temple is nestled in a lush valley with hiking trails. While beautiful, be mindful of wildlife, including potential encounters with spiders or snakes. Stick to marked paths for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Escape the few locals
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Pleasant valley temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇯🇵 Things to do in Kyoto Japan: 1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: best time to visit is early in the morning before the crowds 2. Kazariya teahouse: 1000 year old business serving tea and sweet rice dumplings by a beautiful shrine 3. Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple: temple of 1000 faces 4. Explore Higashiyama: explore at sunrise or in the evenings to escape the crowds in this historic suburb 5. Nara Park day ...
@lukemcameron
276.7K likes • 5.4M views

Hidden Gem Alert! 💎

This temple is a local favorite, offering a peaceful experience away from major tourist crowds. Reddit

Uphill Walk Ahead 🚶‍♀️

Be prepared for an uphill walk from JR Mitaki station. Comfortable shoes are a must! Reddit

the lightning striking on the roof of kiyomizu-dera temple??! insane. crazy. literally right after this it started to downpour like crazyy. but honestly it was scary but also beautiful at the same time. & this happend in kyoto @ fushimi inari shrine. #kyoto #japantravel #lightning #temple #capturethemoment #thunder #insane #fypシ゚viral
@miafromkorea
87.9K likes • 1.1M views
reddit.com

My recommendation in Hiroshima

This is called Mitaki dera. You can feel Japanese nature history atmosphere . This place is not so far from peace memorials park. Have a good trip!

Wildlife Watch 🐍

Hikers should be aware of potential wildlife like snakes. Stick to marked trails. Reddit

E-bike Option 🚲

Consider renting an e-bike from JR Yokogawa station for a scenic 15-min ride. Reddit

reddit.com

Hiroshima suggestions

Hi everyone! I’m travelling to Japan for my 4th trip (second time this year 🤣) in November and my route is Fukuoka > Beppu > Hiroshima >Tokyo. I’ve been to Hiroshima for a day trip before where I visited the main sites and Miyajima. This time I’m spending 3 full days…

Tips

from all over the internet

Hidden Gem Alert! 💎

This temple is a local favorite, offering a peaceful experience away from major tourist crowds. Reddit

Uphill Walk Ahead 🚶‍♀️

Be prepared for an uphill walk from JR Mitaki station. Comfortable shoes are a must! Reddit

Wildlife Watch 🐍

Hikers should be aware of potential wildlife like snakes. Stick to marked trails. Reddit

E-bike Option 🚲

Consider renting an e-bike from JR Yokogawa station for a scenic 15-min ride. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

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

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Beautiful natural setting
Uncrowded experience

What People Dislike

Uphill walk from station
Wildlife on trails

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but e-bike rentals from nearby stations are a popular alternative for those arriving by train. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required for entry to Mitaki-dera Temple, suggesting it's freely accessible. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not widely published, but as a temple complex, it's generally expected to be accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

Based on traveler accounts, Mitaki-dera Temple appears to be a free-to-enter site, contributing to its 'hidden gem' status. Reddit

While the temple is accessible year-round, the lush greenery and serene atmosphere are particularly appealing during spring and autumn. Reddit

Visitors are advised to be mindful of the natural surroundings and potential wildlife. Respectful behavior within the temple grounds is expected. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

Mitaki-dera Temple is known for being uncrowded, offering a peaceful experience even though it's relatively close to Hiroshima city. Reddit

Yes, there are hiking trails that start from the temple and lead deeper into the surrounding mountains, offering opportunities for exploration. Reddit

The temple has a serene, spiritual, and tranquil atmosphere, wrapped in lush green nature, making it feel like a secret discovery. Reddit

Absolutely! The moss-covered steps, red pagoda, and natural surroundings provide beautiful and atmospheric photo opportunities. Reddit

🎫 🐍 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. Reddit

The hiking trails are beautiful but require caution due to the presence of wildlife. Sticking to marked paths is recommended for safety. Reddit

It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid straying from marked trails to minimize risks. Reddit

One tip suggests being careful if you are over 180cm tall, implying potential for low-hanging branches or other obstacles. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Mitaki-dera Temple (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide