He entered the Buddhist priesthood with his uncle Dozo, Monzeki of Shogoin Temple, and he successively served as Chori (chief priest) of Onjo-ji Temple, Kumano Sanzan Kengyo (inspector of the three Kumano Shrines), Sojo (high-ranking Buddhist priest) and Jugo (honorary rank next to the three Empresses: Great Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager, and Empress).
叔父の聖護院門跡道増に付いて得度し、園城寺長吏、熊野三山検校、僧正、准后を歴任。