It is the temple featured in the Yuzu Nenbutsu (reciting the name of Amida Buddha) Kyogen (farce played during a No play cycle) 'Mibu-dera Mibu Kyogen' that was written by the monk Engaku Shonin who restored the temple during the medieval period, and is also known for its connection to the Shinsengumi (a group who guarded Kyoto during the end of Tokugawa Shogunate).
中世に寺を再興した円覚上人による融通念仏の「壬生寺壬生狂言」を伝える寺として、また新選組ゆかりの寺としても知られる。