In the mid-1950s, the temple's pagoda was destroyed in a bizarre double-suicide arson fire, but was later restored to its original glory and designated a historical landmark.

The temple was originally built in 1274 to protect a carving made by Nichiren, a famous 13th century Buddhist priest who frequently stopped here on his journeys to Kamakura.

During Japan's 1868 civil war, most of the temple was destroyed except for the pagoda and the bronze Buddha statue, which locals believe was miraculously saved and now call "Tennoji Daibutsu."

The large bronze Buddha statue by Ota Yemen had to be relocated from its original position to the temple's edge due to political unrest, as noted on a plaque still visible at its base today.