Mitaki-dera (三瀧寺 or 三滝寺) is a temple standing in the middle of Mt. Mitaki (三滝山). Throughout the precinct of the temple, there are a couple of mountain streams flowing from the three majestic waterfalls. It might sound like the temple is hard to get to when we say it is in a mountain, but that is not the case! It is just three stations away from Hiroshima Station! So in autumn, it is one of the best destinations in Hiroshima for some stunning fall colors (=゚ω゚)ノ.
About Mitaki-dera
Mitaki-dera was established in 809 by the same revered monk – Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師), who founded the now World Heritage Site – Kōyasan (高野山) in Wakayama Prefecture. Furthermore, it is the 13th temple in the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
At the moment, there is only a Japanese version of the brochure of the temple. HERE is the front page, and HERE is the back page. It should give you some idea of how big the temple’s ground is.
From the main entrance, up the stairs close to the pagoda, there is this unique donation box just in front of the intersection (lower right of the Map). Instead of just one opening for you to put in some coins, there are five.
The five openings are above each of the five lotus flowers (refer to the second photo in the Instagram post). Not only does the donation box look different from other boxes that you would have seen in other temples, but it is also designed to produce some clear bell sounds when you insert coins!
Tip: Although it says you only need to donate 200 yen, as inserting a coin into each of the openings will give you a different sound, instead of two 100 yen coins, four (or five) 50 yen coins are okay.
On the sides of the promenades in Mitaki-dera, there are more than 600 stone Buddha and Bodhisattva statues. Being watched by them, doesn’t it feel like you have to behave at least during your visit (´▽`*).
Cafe Kūten-an (空点庵) and Moria Frog
Strolling around Mitaki-tera can be tiring. So on the way back, how about dropping by the cafe Kūten-an for some traditional Japanese dessert?
The warabi mochi (わらび餅) rice cake here is sliced into bigger pieces. Springling with the roasted soybean flour Kinako (きな粉), is the perfect dessert with the coffee and matcha made from the sweet mountain stream of Mt. Mitaki!
Kūten-an also offers other light meal options, but unfortunately, they are not vegetarian.
The best seats in the cafe are definitely those by the window. Overlooking the pond, those seats are the ideal place to enjoy the beauty of nature. As the pond has a small colony of moria frogs, you might even be able to hear them sing!
From May to July, look closely at the branches near the pond. You might be able to spot their foamy eggs. In summer, see if you can find their tadpoles swimming (^_-)-☆.
The Pagoda (多宝塔)
The pagoda close to the entrance is a prefectural property of cultural importance. This pagoda, completed in the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573), was only relocated to Mitaki-dera after the war to mourn the victims of the atomic bombing.
Inside this pagoda, there is a wooden Amitabha statue. It is known as a national treasure. If you are interested in seeing him, come in November. This is when the general public is allowed to enter the pagoda.
The Fall Foliage Season at Mitaki-dera
The autumn foliage season usually peaks from mid to late November each year. On the 3rd Sunday of November, Autumn Festival – Momiji Matsuri (もみじ祭) is usually held.
Mitaki-dera’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Mitaki-dera is open from 8 am to 5:30 pm. In winter, it will close early, at 5 pm.
- Kūten-an is open from 10 am to 4 pm. The last order is taken at 3:30 pm.
- Warabi Mochi rice cake is served from 11 am.
- From JR Mitaki Station (三滝駅), it is a 15-minute walk. JR Mitaki Station (三滝駅) is just 3 stations away from JR Hiroshima Station.
- The temple’s car park has a capacity of around 30 cars.
Discover Where Else to Visit in Hiroshima City Center
Apart from Mitaki-dera, a couple of attractions in the city center are worth your time.
To find out what they are and how to get there, please refer to our Hiroshima City article. The article also has information about where to go for cherry blossom and autumn foliage hunting (=゚ω゚)ノ.