The cherry trees within the precinct, called 'Jishu-zakura,' are well-known for their beautiful blossoms and are also known as 'Mikuruma-gaeshi-no-Sakura' (lit. cherry trees that make the imperial carriage come back) as their beauty caused the Emperor Saga to have his carriage turned around three times to view the flowers when he visited in the year 811.
境内は「地主桜」と呼ばれる桜の名所で、弘仁2年（811年）に嵯峨天皇が行幸した際、地主桜の美しさに3度車を返したことから「御車返しの桜」とも呼ばれる。