This ancient temple is the origin of the place name Fujiidera and is the 5th temple of the Saigoku Pilgrimage.
It is said to have been built in the 7th century as the family temple of the Muraji clan, descendants of the Wani clan of Baekje.
The principal image of the temple is the Thousand-Armed Kannon, a national treasure with a thousand arms and a thousand eyes.
It is believed to be the only Thousand-Armed Kannon with more than 1,000 arms, and in fact has 1,041 arms.
The 18th of each month is the day when the shrine is open to the public (fees apply), and is considered to be a particularly auspicious day.
Within the grounds, there is also the "Flag-hanging Pine (Sankaku Pine)," which is associated with Kusunoki Masashige.
When Kusunoki Masashige visited this temple to pray for victory in battle, he had his three sons swear to "join forces like these pine needles and strive for bushido." Legend has it that holding the three-needle pine tree from this tree will give you strength.