Taking the Big Break

We did a fun hike yesterday to the top of Mitaki (Three Waterfall) Temple.   An employee at our hotel told us about it, and boy was it a real treat!

We left Hiroshima station, the prefecture’s largest station and a main hub for bullet trains in the southern region.   We rode only two stops and got off the train.  We stepped off and found ourselves in what felt like the middle of the country, at a station so small there are no station workers and the wicket has no barriers.   It is completely on the honor system.     

Mitaki Station

Notice the wicket with no barriers?

We walked 15 minutes uphill through some neighborhoods until we stumbled upon Mitaki Temple, a beautiful temple on the side of Mt. Mitaki.   We continued our climb up hundreds of stairs, past several waterfalls, hundreds of stone carvings, temple alcoves, water streams, and one beautiful statue after another.  

One of Mitaki’s waterfalls

Just as we thought we were reaching the top, the trail continued yet again up a different direction.   Up one way, we were rewarded with an amazing view of Hiroshima.  

View of Hiroshima from the top of Mitaki Temple

Back down and another 20 minute hike up a steep trail, we found ourselves in the middle an amazing bamboo forest.  Beautiful! 

The boys in the bamboo forest.

Bamboo Forest

Hiking trail through the bamboo forest

Bamboo

It was fun to get out of the city for the day.   Between the fresh air, the nature, and all the exercise, it sure was a great day!