Autumn scenery at Buttsuji Temple. Photo: Tabiyaka Hiroshima.
At Buttsuji Temple in Mihara, fall brings a chance to do more than admire the maples. The temple’s special autumn opening gives visitors access to its usually closed Buddha Hall and main hall, alongside the seasonal scenery.
When to visit and what it costs
The opening runs November 7–29, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. JST. Admission is ¥500 for adults; university students and younger visitors are admitted free. The end date may change depending on the fall foliage.
Try a meditation session
Zazen, or seated meditation, is offered on designated dates. Adult participants pay an additional ¥500; university students and younger visitors participate free. Entry to the special autumn opening is required.
Registration begins one hour before each session, with places generally limited to the first 30 participants. Arrive at the temple entrance at least 10 minutes before the start. Check the temple’s schedule before planning your visit around a session.
Getting there during foliage season
Seasonal bus services from Mihara and Hongo stations are scheduled daily from November 14–29. The trip to the temple approach takes about 40 minutes from Mihara or 20 minutes from Hongo, depending on traffic.
Free shuttle buses are also scheduled for November 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29. The last departure from the temple is at 4:30 p.m.; see the city guide for boarding locations.
Visitors arriving by car, motorcycle or moped are asked to contribute ¥500 toward forest conservation. Tour buses require advance parking reservations, and the requested contribution is ¥3,000. These amounts are separate from temple admission.
Road restrictions apply from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the autumn opening. Allow extra time, and check the city’s transport guide before setting out.
Official information: Buttsuji Temple and Mihara City seasonal transport guide.
Adapted from Tabiyaka Hiroshima using AI translation and automated checks.
