It is said to have its origins in the 6th year of Enryaku (787), when Emperor Kanmu built a suburban shrine (Koshidan) in this area south of Nagaokakyo to enshrine his father, Emperor Konin. This is said to be based on the example of the Chinese emperors, who set up the Temple of Heaven in the south of the capital on the winter solstice every year to enshrine the Emperor. The main shrine is built in Ikkensha style construction and was restored in the 4th year of Kasei (1238) during the Kamakura period and the 8th year of Oei (1401) during the Muromachi period. The exterior retains the style of the Kamakura period, with delicate and beautiful carvings such as the frog. Together with the main shrine of Yahata Shrine, a subsidiary shrine located next door, both are important cultural properties of the country. At the back of the Katano Tenjin Shrine worship hall, at the top of the stone steps, is Kifune Shrine, a subsidiary shrine that is said to be the site of Kuzuha Palace, built by Emperor Keitai around the 6th century.