In the Heian era this temple was built by Emperor Shirakawa.
In the Kamakura era, Mokuan, one of the best disciples of Muso Soseki, restored temple buildings with the financial support of Shogun Ashikaga Yosiakira.
This temple was renamed to Hokyoin after Yoshiakira's death.
Hokyoin is the name of posthumous of Yoshiakira.
The current buildings were rebuilt after the Meiji Period.
The main hall has the deity of mercy.
It has eleven faces and one thousand arms.