Mitaki Peace Tour Beyond Central Hiroshima

The tour started at Peace Memorial Park learning about a-bombing in 1945. Then we moved to Mitaki Temple by 20-minute bus ride. I was curious how visiting the temple would give me the chance to think about `peace`after visiting Peace Memorial Park. I learned Mitaki Temple was not located in the central Hiroshima area that was devastated by the bombing but that the temple has also many a-bombed buildings, monuments and episodes related to the bombing in the site. Our guide Yukie has very detailed knowledge and explained one by one during walking in the site. At the end of the tour, when I learned all from Yukie, it was a very special moment to think about `peace`in the peaceful nature atmosphere. The tour is well-prepared and very informative. Also, it was very fun to walk in the quiet, cool, not-crowded site of the historical temple surrounded by beautiful nature. Yukie is very kind and friendly. Thanks to her guiding, I really enjoyed this informative, refreshing and very fun tour!

I joined a tour that started at the Rest House in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. First, we looked at a detailed diorama showing what the area was like before the atomic bombing, when it was a lively downtown district. It helped me imagine how vibrant the city had once been. After visiting the A-Bomb Dome and the surrounding memorials, we took a bus to Mitaki Temple. I learned that a temple that had originally been located in the busy city center were relocated to Mitaki after the war. We also saw a stone water basin that had survived the atomic bombing, which was another powerful reminder of Hiroshima’s history. Then we walked up the mountain to visit Mitaki Temple. It was an extremely hot day, and I was already feeling exhausted before arriving there. However, as soon as I entered the temple grounds, I was surrounded by cool mountain air, beautiful greenery, and the peaceful sound of nature. I immediately felt refreshed and deeply relaxed. It was a wonderful place that offered not only a chance to learn about Hiroshima’s history but also a moment of peace and healing. If you’re interested in learning about Hiroshima beyond the well-known sites, this is a wonderful hidden gem. I highly recommend visiting it.

"I had an enlightening experience on this tour, guided by the incredibly knowledgeable Yukie. I was surprised to learn that the hypocenter in Hiroshima was actually a hospital—one that continues to serve the community today. We later visited Mitaki-dera Temple, which was relocated here from near the hypocenter after WWII. It is a profound place of peace, honoring the memory of victims from all backgrounds, including those of Auschwitz. Walking among the three waterfalls was so revitalizing. Relaxing with some 'Dagashi' and chatting with Yukie made for such a memorable afternoon. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Hiroshima’s history, the kindness of this land, and the enduring power of nature and regeneration."