Excavations that started in 1959 uncovered the remains of structures including the main hall, corridors, the priests' living quarters, the dining hall and Nandai-mon gate, with those that were not included in the original historic site designation being added in 1966.
1959年からの発掘調査により、金堂・廻廊・僧坊・食堂院・南大門等の遺構が確認され、当初の未指定部分が1966年に追加指定された。