This ancient ritsu sect temple was founded during the heian period. it is now part of the toshodai-ji temple in nara, and its principal image, a jizo bodhisattva, which was moved from there, is designated as an important cultural property. the mibu kyogen, a folk performance held annually from april 21st to 29th in the dainembutsu-do hall, is a performance that explains buddhist teachings to the common people. it is designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property and has attracted large crowds of spectators from the kamakura period to the present day. this temple is also famous as the birthplace of the shinsengumi, where kondo isami and others stayed, and the site of the shinsengumi headquarters remains at the yagi family residence on the north side of the temple grounds, which is now the famous kyoto tsuruya confectionery shop.