The temple is known as the place where Saigyo, a poet from the late Heian period, died during the cherry blossom season, as his poem states: "I wish to die in spring beneath the flowers, when the full moon shines in Kisaragi." Located at the foot of Mount Katsuragi, the surrounding area is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. It is said that En no Gyoja founded the temple in 665 (the fourth year of Emperor Tenchi's reign), Gyoki trained here in 737 (the ninth year of Tenpyo), and Kukai completely renovated the temple buildings in 812 (the third year of the Kōnin reign). Although the temple was burned to the ground during a war by the Hatakeyama clan, it was later rebuilt. The main hall and other buildings were rebuilt and remain standing to this day. Within the temple grounds are Saigyo's tomb and the Saigyo Hall, and at the back of the main temple building is the Saigyo Memorial Museum, which houses a statue of Saigyo and a collection of paintings, calligraphy, and other materials related to Saigyo.