In 864, this temple was founded as the temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
Thereafter, in the middle of the Edo period, it was rebuilt and converted to the Rinzai sect's temple by the priest Tesshu.
When the famous poet Matsuo Basho stayed here, he composed a famous poem.
The present hut "Basho an" was rebuilt by Yosa Buson, another poet of the middle of the Edo period. Buson respected Basho through life.
In autumn, here is also the place to enjoy the autumn leaves. It is very beautiful.