Miidera was founded by Prince Otomo's son, Prince Yota, during the reign of Emperor Suiko (592-628).
During the Kamakura period, it was protected by the Kamakura shogunate and developed further. In the Muromachi period, Takauji Ashikaga rebuilt Miidera Temple and donated many temple treasures.

Miidera is located southwest of Lake Biwa, on the north bank of the Seta River, the only river that flows out of Lake Biwa. In the precincts, there are 10 national treasures (64 items) and 42 important cultural properties, such as the national treasure Kondo, the three-storied pagoda, and the bell tower known for Mitsui's Evening Bell.