It is a pagoda temple (meaning a temple within the precincts of the main temple) of Kenninji Temple, founded by Ryuzan Tokumi, the 35th generation of Kenninji Temple's Zen master. Until the mid-Muromachi period (1336-1573), this temple, together with Reigen-in Temple, was the highest temple of "Gozan literature" in which Chinese poetry and writing were the means of expression, and produced many Zen priests who excelled in the art of poetry and writing, known as "Kenninji no Gakumen". The "Garden of the Summer Leaves," which is open to the public in early summer, consists of the Hojo Garden, a dry landscape garden, and a pond garden. The white hansatsukasho (Japanese pagoda tree) that decorates the pond is a well-known seasonal feature.