As for the date of the pagoda's construction, there are two theories; one theory suggests that the pagoda was transferred from Moto-Yakushiji Temple in Asuka after being dismantled and then reconstructed, and the other theory suggests that the pagoda was newly constructed at the Heijo-kyo.
塔の建築年代については飛鳥の本薬師寺から移築されたとする説と、平城京で新たに建てられたとする説とがあった。