This temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect of the Buddahism.
It was constructed next to the Rajomon gate in 796 to guard Sakyo, Eastern kyoto, when the national capital was relocated to Kyoto. In 823, this temple was granted to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) and renamed the Kyoo Gokokuji Temple, thus becoming the main training temple of the Shingon sect.
Kondo hall is designated as a National Teasure.
The Daishido building (designated as a National Treasure) is also known as the “Meido” because it enshrines the image of the saint Kukai. It is also known as one of the few remaining examples of Heian era palatial architecture.
In 1644, Tokugawa Iemitsu rebuilt the five-storied pagoda (designated as a National Teasure) to a height of 55 meters; it is now the tallest existing wooden pagoda in Japan.
December 21, the last memorial day of the year, is particularly notable, asa a remarkable number of worshippers are in attendance.