It is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and was founded by the monk Tenzan. The front garden of the main hall is said to have been created by Shinzaemon Sorori, and there are over 200 plum trees in the precinct garden. In addition, a monument to Matsuo Basho's haiku (haiku poems) is located just past the temple gate. In addition, the 28-meter Nagahama Biwako Daibutsu (Great Buddha) made of bronze stands on the Lake Biwa side of the temple.