The origin of this temple starts in the dwelling of the priest whom priest Saicho built in Hieizan.
This Temple is one of the three Monzeki temples. (Another is Sanzenin Temple and Myohoin Temple. )
It is also called "Awata Gosho (Awata Imperial Place)", because it became the imperial palace of the borrowing at a fire of the imperial palace of 1788.
The whole area of precincts in the temple is designated as a Historic Site by the government.
The stroll garden around the pond was designed by Soami. It is beautiful in all seasons. And the Kirishima garden was designed by Kobori Enshu.
"The Picture of Fudo Myo-o with Two Children" is designated as a National Treasure. It is popularly called "Blue Fudo".
In addition, there are a lot of cultural assets in this temple.