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Mitaki-dera

A mountaintop Buddhist temple with panoramic views of Hiroshima.

Hiroshima, Japan

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milio
Small statues of Buddha line the path to the top of the mountain.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
The main entrance to the Mitaki-dera temple.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
The path that leads Mitaki-dera.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
A winding pathway to the mountaintop.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
The hike through the bamboo forest starts here.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
A view of the bamboo forest.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
A view of Hiroshima from the hike back to Mitaki-dera.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
The road just before the entrance of the temple   milio / Atlas Obscura User
At the top of the mountain is a 180° view of Hiroshima.   milio / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This temple in Hiroshima is accessible by public transportation thanks to one bus that passes every hour. It is at the end of a small residential road. At the end of a row of houses is a path that leads to a large hidden pagoda, hundreds of small Buddha statues, trees everywhere, and even a small waterfall.

If you're feeling stouthearted, this picturesque scene is the starting pont for a 30 minute hike through the middle of a bamboo forest. At the top of the incline is the payoff: a panoramic view of Hiroshima below. 

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Waterfalls Mountains Buddhism Temples

Know Before You Go

The bus comes somewhat infrequently but will take you almost the the very entrance of the temple. Another transportation option is a JR train station about 20 minutes away on foot. 

The entrance to the hiking path is not clearly marked and might take some patience to locate. 

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Added By

milio

Published

May 9, 2025

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