Before Meiji Government introduced Shinbutsu bunri in 1868, many temples including Gokoku-ji Temple, Gokuraku-ji Temple and Bentendo, used to offer accommodation for pilgrimages and were called "Otokoyama 48 bo," and Shojo SHOKADO, who was one of the monks serving Hachiman Daibosatsu, was also known as one of the three best calligraphers in Kanei period.
明治時代（1868年）の神仏分離までは護国寺や極楽寺、弁天堂を始め「男山48坊」と呼ばれる数多くの宿坊が参道に軒を連ね、寛永の三筆として知られる松花堂昭乗も八幡大菩薩に仕える社僧の一人であった。