Zenkoji Temple is said to have been founded by Gyoki in 644 during the Hakuho era. Afterwards, it attracted the faith of many military commanders and powerful people, including Minamoto no Yoshinaka during the Heian period, Minamoto no Yoshitsune during the Kamakura period, and Takauji Ashikaga during the Muromachi period.

During the Edo period, visiting Zenkoji Temple became a major event for the common people, and many teahouses and inns lined the approach. Even now, Zenkoji is one of Japan's leading tourist attractions, attracting many worshipers from all over the country.

There are many important cultural properties such as the main hall, the national treasure, the Sanmon gate, and the sutra storehouse.