Emperor Saga endowed the temple with 750 acres of land and it prospered until the 16th century, controlling 12 branch temples. At that time the temple was destroyed by fire and then restored.

The name of the mountain (Sangō) on which this temple is located is Yurei-san (Ghost Mountain) because legend states that a ghost once lived around the temple and caused a lot of trouble. Kōbō Daishi got rid of the ghost through a Goma ritual, using the sankaku altar.

In addition, there is a small triangular pond on the temple grounds as well as a statue of Jizō. At the Okunoin, the honzon is Kōbō Daishi. This is where he prayed to rid himself of the bad luck that comes with being 42 years old.

This temple is also dedicated to easy childbirth but there is a twist. The expectant mother is supposed to pretend to break into the temple and steal a ladle, which she then places under her bed. After the delivery, she brings the ladle back to the temple for someone else to take and hide.

The temple is near the top of the mountain at an elevation of 1,600 ft (450 m). The sanmon also doubles as the belfry.