Mitaki-dera Temple

Overview

Mitaki-dera Temple, located in Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. It's the 13th temple on the Chugoku Sanjusankannon pilgrimage route and the 15th temple on the Hiroshima Shin Shikoku Hachijūhakkasho pilgrimage route. Founded in 809 (year 4 of Daido era) by Kūkai (Kobo Daishi), it has long been cherished as "Mitaki Kannon." Mitaki-dera Temple remained almost undamaged during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima (approximately 3.18 km from the hypocenter) and served as a temporary relief center. The temple grounds feature three waterfalls – Komagataki, Bonon-no-taki, and Umyo-no-taki – each with distinct water flow. Their water is used for the peace memorial ceremony. The vermilion pagoda on the grounds was relocated from Hiro-八幡神社 in Hirokawa-cho, Wakayama Prefecture in 1951 (Showa 26) to commemorate the atomic bomb victims. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture. Inside the pagoda is a wooden seated statue of Amitabha Tathagata (Heian period), designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Furthermore, the Sou-shin Kannon-do hall, bell tower, Inari shrine, Sangi Gongen-do hall, and the tutelary shrine are registered on Hiroshima City's list of atomic-bombed buildings. The Sangi Gongen-do hall enshrines Sangi Daigongen, and the “Potalaka Garden” was landscaped in the 1950s by Shigemori Mirei. Mitaki-dera Temple is a place steeped in history, nature, and the spirit of peace. Be sure to visit!