It is said that the origin of this shrine dates back to 787, when Emperor Kanmu established a suburban altar here, south of Nagaokakyo, to worship his father, Emperor Konin. This is said to have been modeled after the Chinese emperors who established a heavenly altar south of the capital every winter solstice to worship the heavenly emperor. The main hall is a one-bay, Nagare-zukuri style shrine, and was restored in 1238 (Katei 4) during the Kamakura period and in 1401 (Oei 8) during the Muromachi period. The exterior retains the style of the Kamakura period, and the carvings, such as the frog legs, are delicate and beautiful. Both the main hall of the shrine and the main hall of the subordinate shrine, Hachiman Shrine, located next door, are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Behind the worship hall of Katano Tenjin Shrine, up the stone steps, is Kifune Shrine, a subordinate shrine, which is said to be the site of Kuzuha Palace, established by Emperor Keitai in the 6th century.