Mitakidera Temple, located in the valleys of Mt. Mitaki in northwest Hiroshima, is commonly known as Mitaki Kannon, Kannon being the Buddhist deity of mercy. “Mitaki” literally means “three waterfalls” in Japanese, and the temple was named so due to the three waterfalls that surround it. The temple grounds are home to a striking vermillion two-storied pagoda, which is an Important Cultural Property designated by Hiroshima Prefecture. Not only that, but inside the pagoda is a wooden statue of Amida Buddha, which is a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property.
Just inside the main entrance to the temple lies Kutenan, a tea shop and rest area where visitors can relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. Inside the shop there are also Japanese-style trinkets and picture postcards for sale, and guests can drink coffee and matcha tea made with water directly from the waterfalls. In autumn, the temple is a popular spot for viewing the beautiful foliage, and many people come to visit from all over the country.