The mountain is home to Sanbutsu-ji, a historically significant temple designated an Important Treasure of Japan in 1952.

Mount Mitoku was formed from a volcanic eruption approximately 15 million years ago in the Pleistocene period.

The layers of granite and other conglomerates at the base of the mountain were transformed by a volcano into large pyroxene deposits.

[2] The ascent to Sanbuts-ji is very steep, and entrance to buildings in the temple complex are a 40 to 50 minute hike from the foot of the mountain.

Areas to the east and south of Mount Mitoku are mountainous, deeply forested, and sparsely populated.