This temple was originally built as the Imperial Villa of Emperor Saga, who reigned in the early Heian Period (794-1185). Comprised of imperial household buildings constructed elsewhere and then rebuilt on the current site, the temple exudes a regal elegance. Here visitors can experience copying Buddhist sutras (choose from either a simplified version, copying only the section including the Heart Sutra, or the challenge of a more authentic version, copying the sutras in their entirety). In the eastern area of the temple grounds lies the large Osawa-no-Ike pond, a famous site for moon-viewing as well as for viewing cherry blossoms in spring and autumnal leaves in autumn.