Mitakidera is a real hidden gem in Hiroshima. Tucked away in a narrow, steep, valley, it is only a few kilometers from the epicenter of the atom bomb blast, but was mostly unscathed.
There are many things to see in the steep climb up to the main hall, the first being theTahoto-style pagoda.
This was not here until 1951 when it was donated to the temple as a memorial to the bomb victims.
Until then, it was located at Hiro Hachiman Shrine near Yuasa in Wakayama.
It was built in the 1520's and has many colourful carvings that are worth checking out.
Mitakidera is said to have been founded in 809 by Kobo Daishi.
The honzon of Mitakidera is a Kannon, but also an unusual triple deity Sanki Daigongen, more of which in the next post.
Mitaki means three waterfalls, named after the three small waterfalls within the grounds.
Interestingly each is from a different souirce.
One of the many tsukubai, water basins, within the temple.
Mitakidera is known for its autumn foliage. I was here in early November, so they were just starting.
The Soshin Kannon Hall, built in the Edo Period and renovated in early Meiji.
Theer are so many things to see, and I took so many photos, that I have split this post into two parts...
Founders Garden..... not sure if this refers to only the major founders of this temple, or Shingon Buddhism in general. Obviously, Kobo Daishi is here..... Is it four variations of Kobo? Four monks or abbots connected to Mitakidera,... or 4 Shingon Patriarchs?
Behind the group of statues is Komaga Falls, the lowest of the three...
Incidentally, water from the three falls is used in the Peace Ceremony every year at the Peace Park and Museum.
From here the path leads up to the Bell Tower, which did suffer damage during the bomb blast.
There are many, many statues along the path. Quite a few are Kannons.
I think these are some of the Rakan.
Next you pass a small thatched teahouse and garden.
This is the Fudaraku Garden and Teahouse.
Unfortunately, it only opens during the fall foliage season.
The garden was built in the 1950's by the famous garden designer Mirei Shigemori.
Behind it is Bon no Falls, the second of the three.
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