A World Heritage Site, this temple founded in 850 by the monk Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) is the most important of the Tendai Buddhist sect. The complex was ordained by the first lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, Kiyohira, in the 12th century to recreate the Buddhist Pure Land for the consolidation of all the departed souls of the warriors who had lost their lives in the two major conflicts of the late 11th century, the civil wars of 1051-1062 and 1083-1087, in northern Japan. It was destroyed by fire in 1337 and partly rebuilt by Masamune Date (1567-1636) in the 17th century. Of the ancient buildings, only the Konjiki-dō and the Kyōzō remain. The temple compound represents a major treasure of Heian period Buddhist art with over 3,000 national treasures.

The Kyōzō,

(sutra collection), is located on the side of the Konjikidō. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property. It was originally the entrance to the temple. It was damaged in 1337 by fire. It is surrounded by maple trees resplendent in autumn.

The Konjikidō

was completed in 1124. It has as its main representation Amida Nyorai (the Buddha of Infinite Light), flanked by Kannon (the Boddhisatva of wisdom) on his left and several Saviors of Hell, the Jizō Boddhiatvas, and two guardian kings. It is entirely covered with black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl and painted. It contains sculptures of Amida, Kannon, Jizō and Niten. Most of the temple inside is covered with gold leaf