Japan's first authentic temple built in 587 at the request of Soga no Umako who protected Buddhism and was buried in the Ishibutai Tumulus.

At that time, there were no Buddhist temples, so experts and craftsman from Baekje were invited to build it. It was the first building in Japan to use tiled roofs and foundation stones to support the heavy roofs and had a great influence on subsequent Japanese architecture.

The principal image, known as the Great Buddha of Asuka, is the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan and is registered as an important cultural property. Although some parts have been restored, the face and hands remain as they were 1,400 years ago. The Great Buddha of Asuka stood in this location 1,400 years ago, facing south as it does now, looking at the origins of the civilized nation of Japan.

The current main hall was rebuilt during the Edo period.