When the ancient capital was established in Kyoto, this shrine was founded near the Tenmon Gate, in the north-western corner of the inner palace area, to enshrine the guardian deity of direction who also protects people from disaster. Known as "Daishogun," the God of Starts in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang presides over the direction. It is said that this god was highly revered and worshipped by people in power.

More than 100 statues of deities or "Shinzo" have been preserved in the shine and were dedicated during a peak of faith in the Daishogun from the middle of the Heian to the Kamakura period. Eighty were designated as Important Cultural Properties in 1972.