Yashima-dera Temple is said to have been founded by Ganjin Wajo in 754. Later, in 815, Kobo Daishi established the temple and enshrined the Eleven-faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image.

The main hall of Yashima Temple was built in the Kamakura period and is designated as a national important cultural property. In addition, the principal image, the Eleven-faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, is designated as a national treasure.

Yashima Temple is also known as the site of the Genpei War. In the Battle of Yashima, there is a story that Nasu Yoichi of the Genji clan shot down the target of the fan of the Heike side.