This temple is said to have been founded in 771 by Shitaku Risshi, the disciple of Ganjin Wajo, but the exact time and circumstances of its foundation, as well as its subsequent history until medieval times remain unclear.
鑑真和上の弟子である思託（したく）律師により宝亀2年（771年）に開創されたと伝わるが、創建の正確な時期・事情は定かでなく、以後中世までの沿革も定かでない。