Chogakuji Temple is said to have been built in 824 as a Jingu-ji Temple of Yamato Shrine by Kukai at the request of Emperor Junna. At its peak, there were 48 sub-temples, but in the Kamakura period it became a branch temple of Kofuku-ji Daijo-in Temple. It declined due to the Onin War and the fire in 1502, but was revived in 1602 with the support of Ieyasu TOKUGAWA.

The highlight of Chogakuji Temple is the Great Jigoku-e. The Great Jigoku-e was painted by Kano Sanraku and is a powerful work measuring 3.5m in height and 11m in width. It depicts the terror of hell and overwhelms many worshipers as a warning to the afterlife.

In addition, Chogakuji has many Buddha statues such as Kukai's seated statue and Amida Nyorai seated statue. The main hall and historical buildings such as the thirteen-storied pagoda are also worth seeing.