The temple's architecture is actually shrine-style because it was forcibly converted to a Shinto shrine in early Meiji, then restored as a Buddhist temple in 1909 but kept its original shrine buildings.

A hermit named Kokusen Sennin who lived at this temple reportedly healed Emperor Kanmu of a brain disease in the 8th century and was awarded the title of Bosatsu (bodhisattva) for his efforts.

The mountain road to the temple closes completely from late December through February, and even when open, large buses are banned from attempting the narrow, winding ascent.

横峰寺は四国八十八箇所霊場の第60番札所です。