When Emperor Godaigo visited Yoshino in secret during the period of the Northern and Southern Courts (Japan), he temporarily stayed in an angu (temporary lodging built to accommodate an Imperial visit) established in Kissuiin under protection of Soshin Hoin.
南北朝時代(日本)、後醍醐天皇が吉野に潜幸したとき、宗信法印の援護を受けて吉水院に行宮を設け，一時居所とした。