This temple was founded in 1291 by the imperial order and is the headquarters of the Nanzenji school of the Rinzai Buddhism. "Chokushi-mon" and "Sanmon" are designated as Important Cultural Assets.

Pictures on Fusuma in this temple were drawn by artists of the Kano school in the 16th century, and designated as Important Cultural Assets. Hojo, lecture hall, buildings are designated as National Treasures and a front garden of them was laid out by, one of the most famous gardeners, Eshu Kobri.