The date of the shrine's establishment is unknown. Originally located in Shimokanda, it faced Kamishimagashira's local shrine from across the river. During the Shimagashira Festival, a staff with plaited paper streamers is handed over from Kanda Shrine, and the staff is returned to Kanda as an offering once the festival has ended. The shrine moved to its current location in 1659. Legend has it that when an offering of sacred sake is made to a shrine relic depiction of Sugawara-no-Michizane at the annual festival, Michizane's face turns red. The shrine also has a giant camphor that is more than 800 years old. Its trunk is 10 meters around, and the tree stands about 30 meters high.