Mitaki (三滝) is a small section of Hiroshima City on the western side of the Oota River to the northwest of the Yokogawa Station. The area's name (three waterfalls) comes from the Koma, Bonon and Yumei waterfalls. Rivers flowing off Mount Mitaki are the source of the waterfalls. This mountain is part of the mountainous terrain that separates Hiroshima City from its northwest subdivisions. What brings most people to the area is Mitaki Temple, a relaxing forest retreat.
Mitaki Temple (三滝寺) is a popular woodland temple dedicated to Kanon (Goddess of Mercy). It is located a fair distance up the slopes of Mount Mitaki in a quiet valley. The overall harmonious atmosphere of the temple grounds is highly cherished by its admirers. The temple is also the starting point for two trails up Mount Mitaki.
The red vermilion (Tahoto) pagoda at Mitaki Temple is an important cultural property and was moved there in 1951 from a shrine in Wakayama City where it was was originally built in 809 to help comfort the souls of those lost in the atomic bombing. Water from the temple was used to treat the burns of those injured in the attack and a number of other memorials are located on the temple grounds.
The natural beauty of the temple grounds is embodied best by the Bonon Waterfall which tumbles down a steep cliff to form a small river that runs through the temple grounds.
The temple is incredibly popular during the last two thirds of November when the maple leaves are turning to red. Around 500 maple trees are said to be planted on the temple grounds. A number of cherry trees have also been planted in the area for blossom viewing in the spring as well.
The top of Mount Mitaki (356 meters) commands one of the best views of Hiroshima City because of its central location. The mountain was also historically referred to as Mount Uematsu and Mount Soko.
The two routes from the temple to the top are vastly different in difficulty. The 'A Route' (1.6 km) is for the casual mountaineer while the 'B Route' (1.1 km) is muddy, dangerously steep in sections and, except for near the top, far less scenic. The two routes form a circular path around the mountain that is 2.7 km long. Hikers are asked to be off the mountain by sunset.
The easiest way to reach Mitaki is by JR train. Mitaki Station (三滝駅) is the first stop on the Kabe Line after Yokogawa Station. On the other hand, Mitaki is actually only a 15 to 20 minute scenic walk along and across the river from Yokogawa Station. A small road follows the north side of the train line until the river. Mitaki is on the west side of the river and the first crossing north of the train bridges goes straight there.
There is also a bus that departs about once an hour from Hatchobori to Mitaki. The closest bus stop to the temple is called "Mitaki Kanon".
There are around 30 parking spaces at the temple but they quickly fill up during the fall.
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Sunday, September 14, 2014
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