The foundation of Zenkoji temple is believed to be around 1,400 years ago.
The present main hall is a majestic wooden architecture rebuilt in the Mid-Edo period (1707 A.D.), spans 24 meters wide and 54 meters long. It has a unique structure called “Shumoku Zukuri (literally, ‘wooden bell-hammer structure’)”, which illustrates the old custom of “okomori”, during which many pilgrims seclude themselves overnight to offer prayers. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1953.
Zenkoji has been known as a temple that saves people regardless of their sects. Many pilgrims from nation-wide have been paying visits since the Heian period (8th century).