This temple is the head temple of the Daitokuji school of the Rinzai sect of the Buddhism.
It was founded in 1315 by Daitokokushi.
The layout of the building of precincts is a typical Zen sect style that lines up on the straight line.
The temple buildings were destroyed by fire during the Onin War (1467-1477), it was restored by the priest Ikkyu.
Afterwards, Hideyoshi Toyotomi and other feudal lords donated the buildings, and the majority of a present buildings were in order by the beginning of Edo period.
"Hojo hall "and "Karamon gate" are designated as National Treasure.
Having been believed in by lots of tea masters, such as Juko Murata, the founder, Sen no Rikyu and so on, it has much to do with the tea ceremony.