This temple is said to have been founded in 805 by Saicho, the founder of the Tnedai Sect, on the orders of Emperor Kanmu. It was originally a Tendai temple, but in early Muromachi period (1336-1573) it was changed to a Ji Sect temple with the devotion of the Priest Kokua to revival.
This temp is mentioned in the famous Heike Monogatari (Tales of the Heike) as the place where in 1185 the grieving Empress Dowager Kenrei, who had lost her son, the infant Emperor Antoku, and all her family in battle, shaved her head and become a nun.
The area seems to be secluded and located near the Gion area in Kyoto and worth seeking out. The walk to this temple was enjoyable and the area was quiet, shady, very nice place to relax within a crowded place like Gion.
