Guide
Ushitora Jinja is a historic shrine located in the Nagae area of Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Founded in 806, it is one of the oldest and most significant shrines in the former Onomichi area. The shrine is most famous for the "Ushitora Jinja Camphor Tree Grove," a group of massive camphor trees designated as a Natural Monument of Hiroshima Prefecture. The site offers a profound sense of life and vitality through its ancient greenery.
The shrine's origins date back to 806. According to the historical text "Onomichi Shiko" written in 1816, the shrine was already well-established by 1475, serving as a central point of faith for the local community for centuries. The deities enshrined here include Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu Omikami, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, reflecting the deep-rooted local spiritual traditions.
The most striking feature is the massive grove of camphor trees. There are four primary camphor trees in total, which are protected as a Natural Monument. One particularly impressive tree stands before the worship hall; its trunk splits into three branches at a height of 3 meters and reaches a diameter of approximately 7 meters. The thick, moss-covered trunks serve as a living testament to the passage of centuries.
Beyond its natural beauty, the shrine holds significant cultural value as a setting for the famous anime "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" (Toki o Kakeru Shojo). Fans can recognize the scenery inspired by the slope on the west side of the shrine and the area behind the massive camphor trees. Additionally, the shrine's architecture has served as a model for other works, such as "Futari" and "Kamichu!"
(Note: No specific seasonal or time-of-day information was provided in the source.)
(Note: No specific activities were provided in the source.)
The shrine is located within walking distance of the Senkoji Ropeway base station, making it a perfect stop while exploring the historic streets of Onomichi. It is also easily accessible via the "Nagae-guchi" bus stop on the Onomichi Bus line.
