Next to the entrance to the cable car to Senkō-ji Temple is the narrow stone torii gate of Ushitora Shrine. Passing under the torii, some steps lead up to a wide shrine compound dominated by a huge, ancient camphor tree covered in moss. Three more large camphor trees are dotted around the precincts. These trees are estimated to be 900 years old.

The cable car emerges from the elevated station and passes directly above the shrine. It’s enjoyable to see the shrine below from cable car.

History
The shrine was founded in 806 during the early Heian period (794-1185). It’s known as the oldest shrine in the old city of Onomichi.

The temple grounds are also famous as a location in Obayashi Nobuhiko’s films “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” and “Futari”.