The area surrounding Hagiwara Tenjin Shrine is home to Hagiwara-dera Temple, said to have been founded by the Nara period monk Gyoki, and has several sub-temples. It has long been a sacred place of worship for gods and Buddhas. Legend has it that the origins of Hagiwara Tenjin Shrine date back over a thousand years, when Michizane was enshrined within the temple grounds. Later, the area was burned during the Nanboku-cho War, and Hagiwara Tenjin Shrine was rebuilt on the ruins, with the six temples that make up Hagiwara-dera Temple being moved to a nearby village. The name of the shrine's current location, "Hara-dera," is thought to be an abbreviation of the "hagi" (clover) in Hagiwara-dera Temple. The former main hall, preserved next to the main hall, is a 350-year-old structure that faithfully retains the Momoyama style and is open to the public at all times.