When the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo, Hoko-ji Temple was also moved to present-day Nara City and renamed Gango-ji Temple, though Hoko-ji Temple in Asuka continued to exist under the name Moto Gango-ji Temple.
都が平城京へ移るとともに法興寺も現在の奈良市に移転し元興寺となったが、飛鳥の法興寺も存続し本元興寺と称された。