The temple switched Buddhist sects twice in its history. Originally part of the Hossō school like Nara's famous temples, it became Shingon when Kōbō Daishi visited, then later converted to Sōtō Zen after being rebuilt in 1741.

This temple was built unusually late for a provincial temple. Awa Province was abolished in 741, the same year Emperor Shōmu ordered the temples built, and wasn't restored until 757, delaying construction for decades.