According to documents from the late Heian era, Ojoin Temple's founder had a prophetic dream before a visit from the monk Anjo. The temple is believed to have begun when he built the main hall on Anjo's suggestion. Anjo preached a doctrine of rebirth in the pure land of the afterlife, and meditated by gazing at the setting sun. Since that time, the temple has thrived with worshippers praying for rebirth. It also has deep ties to 14th-century military commander Masatsura Kusunoki; the temple itself formed the core of Masatsura's formation during his final battle. Ojoin Temple has revered a bust of Masatsura since his death in battle.