HomeItinerariesToursBlogDay GuidesLocations
Cart
Trip To Japan
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

About Trip To Japan

Company

  • About Us
  • Careers
    New!
  • Blog
  • Travel Guide
  • All tours
  • All itineraries
  • Groups

Partners

  • Tour operator signup
  • Hotel signup
  • Creator signup
    New!

Contact us

+81 03-4578-2152

info@triptojapan.com

Address

Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Best Locations To Visit

FukuokaHakoneHiroshimaHokkaidoKawasakiKobeKyotoMiyajimaMt. FujiNaganoNagoyaNaoshimaNaraNaritaNikkoOkinawaOsakaTakayamaTokyoTsumagoSee All Locations
Ribbon illustration

License

Certified Travel License
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office: No.3-8367
Japan Travel

QualityTermsPrivacyCommerce Disclosure
© Takanawa Travel

View from inside a wooden gazebo looking out at a vibrant autumn garden with red, orange, and yellow foliage, a traditional stone lantern, and lush greenery.
A traditional Japanese pagoda with ornate details stands among trees and shrubs on a sunny day, with a stone lantern in the foreground and a clear blue sky above.
View from inside a wooden gazebo looking out at a vibrant autumn garden with red, orange, and yellow foliage, a traditional stone lantern, and lush greenery.
A traditional Japanese roof with curved tiles is covered in fallen autumn leaves, surrounded by trees with vibrant red and orange foliage.
A serene outdoor scene featuring several stone Buddha statues arranged amidst lush greenery and trees. A small water feature with a gentle stream cascades over rocks in the foreground, and a traditional stone lantern stands prominently in the center.
A weathered stone statue of a serene figure with hands pressed together in prayer, wearing a robe and necklace, stands outdoors, with another blurred statue visible in the background.
Hiroshima

Mitaki-dera Temple

4.6 (1181)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Mitaki-dera Temple, nestled in the serene hills of Hiroshima, is a hidden gem that offers both spiritual solace and natural beauty. The name "Mitaki" translates to "Three Waterfalls," which refers to the three sacred waterfalls within the temple grounds. These waterfalls, along with the lush greenery and tranquil ponds, create a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection and meditation.

Founded in the late Heian period, Mitaki-dera is not only a place of scenic beauty but also rich in history. The temple is a site for honoring those who lost their lives during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It houses several statues and memorials, including a poignant statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, dedicated to the bomb's victims.

The temple complex features a variety of ancient structures, including a main hall and several smaller shrines that are beautifully preserved. Visitors can explore these traditional buildings and observe the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Japanese architecture.

Mitaki-dera Temple is particularly stunning during the autumn when the changing leaves paint the landscape in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. This breathtaking display, combined with the calming sound of flowing water, makes Mitaki-dera a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Closed: 

year-end and New Year holidays from December 31st to January 3rd.

Available: 

All year

Minimum Age: 

All ages are welcome 

Fees: 

No entrance fee


Hours
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 82-237-0811


The area

Address
411 Mitakiyama, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima, 733-0805, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 82-237-0811

Top ways to experience Mitaki-dera Temple

A traditional Japanese castle stands beside a calm moat, surrounded by autumn trees with red, yellow, and green leaves, reflecting on the water under a partly cloudy sky.
8 hours
Private Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hiroshima with a Guide

What other travelers are saying about Mitaki-dera Temple

An incredible place with a mystical atmosphere, this location is very easily accessible from the city by bus, an ideal place to enjoy nature and its atmosphere. I visited in mid-November, when the autumn colours were just beginning to appear. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Japan. It is not exactly a hidden gem, as there were quite a few people there, but it was far from crowded. Be aware that there is quite a bit of climbing involved.

Nearby attractions to see

Traditional Japanese shrine with ornate, curved roofs and wooden details, set against a dramatic sky with clouds. Trees frame the building, and a stone path leads to the entrance.

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien Garden

Ondo no Seto Park, Kure

Ondo no Seto Park, Kure

Kosanji Temple

Kosanji Temple, Onomichi

Nearby attractions to see

Traditional Japanese shrine with ornate, curved roofs and wooden details, set against a dramatic sky with clouds. Trees frame the building, and a stone path leads to the entrance.

Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine

Shukkeien Garden

Shukkeien Garden

Ondo no Seto Park, Kure

Ondo no Seto Park, Kure

Kosanji Temple

Kosanji Temple, Onomichi


More about Mitaki-dera Temple from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors are drawn to Mitaki-dera for its tranquil beauty, historical significance dating back to 809, and over 300 stone Buddha statues that dot the landscape. The temple offers a unique opportunity to experience peace and spirituality while being enveloped by nature. It's also an ideal spot for autumnal excursions due to the stunning foliage.

To reach Mitaki-dera, head towards the north-west of Hiroshima. Once you arrive at the temple grounds, take the left path past one of the temple's namesake waterfalls to get to Mitakidera. The temple is nestled in a heavily forested valley on Mount Mitaki-yama.

Aside from exploring the temple buildings and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the three waterfalls within the temple grounds. The area is also perfect for hiking, with paths leading through the verdant forests surrounding the temple. During the autumn months, the temple becomes a popular spot for viewing the spectacular fall colors.

Yes, there are several hotels near Mitaki-dera for those wishing to stay overnight. Notable options include the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (approximately 1.89 miles away) and other accommodations suited to various budgets and preferences.

While Mitaki-dera is beautiful year-round, the best times to visit are during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in autumn, when the foliage turns vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the temple's peaceful environment.
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Hiroshima
  4. Mitaki-dera Temple
Hiroshima Castle
2-6 hours
Private Hiroshima Tour with a Local Host
A serene view of Itsukushima Shrine in Japan, featuring traditional wooden buildings over water and the iconic large red Torii gate in the sea. Mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky, while two visitors stand on a deck enjoying the scenery.
8 hours
Private Hiroshima Custom Full-Day Tour by Chartered Vehicle
Profile
Rodion Loichits
Feb 12, 2026
Beautiful. Peaceful. Serene. The grounds are well kept of course. An amazing place to go and just be. 200¥ entrance and you can slightly hear bells ringing. If you want to go on the hike, go towards the right when you enter. There is a path but may be slightly visible.
Profile
Kay B.
Dec 17, 2025
Cycled with a tour up the hill to this sacred place. The waterfalls were gentle in places and ferocious in others (it was raining today). Set into the hillside this holy place was calm and at one with nature. Worth the trek.
Profile
Marion Hetherington
Sep 23, 2025
If you are looking for an escape from the city for a peaceful tranquil vibes into the nature and a hike, this place is very accessible with public transportation. It's about 30-35 mins ride from Hiroshima Station.
Profile
Ahsiya Liu
Feb 23, 2026
One of the most beautiful and serene temples I've seen in Japan. Best to visit during autumn season or late spring.
Profile
Tiki Fhe
Jan 12, 2026
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

Hidden Gems of Hiroshima: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

March 10, 2026
Read blog