On Nichiryu's return to Kyoto in around 1547-1548, Nichijo shonin, son of Imperial Prince Kunitaka of the fifth Fushimino-miya imperial family, became head priest (8th) and acquired a large site covering Shijo Nishinotoin-dori Street, Aburanokoji-dori Street, Ozunu and Nishikikoji-dori Street (the area of the former Honno Elementary School) where a large temple complex with over 30 branch temples was constructed.
その後、1547年（天文16年）-1548年（天文17年）のころ帰洛し、伏見宮第5代那高親王の子日承上人が入寺し「第8世」を称し、四条西洞院通・油小路・小角・錦小路通にわたる地域（旧本能小学校のあたり）に広大な寺地を得て、大伽藍が造営され、子院も30余ヶ院を擁した。