# Mitaki-dera

> A Shingon temple on a wooded slope in Nishi Ward, named for the three small waterfalls on its grounds. Water from its streams is offered each year at the Peace Memorial Ceremony, and the red pagoda by the gate was moved here in 1951 to honor the atomic bomb victims. The path is steep and narrow, and autumn weekends get busy.

- Prefecture: Hiroshima
- Type: Temple
- Address: Hiroshima, Japan
- Hours note: Open daily from 8:00 to 17:30, closing at 17:00 in winter, according to the Japan Tourism Agency's description of the temple. The temple has no website, so check by phone (082-237-0811) before a late visit.

Most visitors to Hiroshima never leave the flat delta, so the climb to Mitaki-dera feels like a different city. The temple sits in a ravine on Mitaki-yama, about 3.2 km from the hypocenter, and its name means three waterfalls: Komagataki, Bonon-no-taki and Yumei-no-taki, all small, all within a few minutes of each other. Temple tradition dates it to 809 and to Kukai. On August 6, 1945 the blast reached the valley, the main hall's roof fell in, but nothing burned, and the temple was used as a first-aid station. The hall was rebuilt in 1968. The red tahoto pagoda at the entrance came from Wakayama in 1951 as a memorial to the bomb victims, and water from the temple's streams is still offered at the Peace Memorial Ceremony each August. Higher up the path are hundreds of stone Buddhas, some from the Kamakura period, many green with moss, and 88 small figures laid out as a mini Shikoku pilgrimage. The steps are uneven and slippery after rain, and in late November the narrow approach fills up. Allow about an hour.

## FAQ

### When is the best time to see the autumn leaves at Mitaki-dera?

Usually mid to late November. The temple's tea room by the waterfalls opens for about one week a year, normally in the third week of November.

### How do I get to Mitaki-dera from Hiroshima Station?

Take the JR Kabe Line to Mitaki Station and walk about 20 minutes uphill, or take Hiroshima Bus route 22 to its last stop, Mitaki Kannon.

### What is the connection between Mitaki-dera and the atomic bombing?

The temple is about 3.2 km from the hypocenter; the main hall's roof collapsed in 1945 and the temple served as a first-aid station. The red pagoda was moved here in 1951 to honor the victims, and water from the temple is offered at the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony.

### How long should I plan for a visit?

About an hour for the waterfalls, pagoda and stone Buddhas, plus 20 minutes each way on foot from Mitaki Station. Wear shoes with grip, as the stone steps are uneven.

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Source: Mitaki-dera — Japan Voyage