Glazed kawara roof tiles from Buddhist structures have been uncovered within the keidai temple precinct of Chiba-dera that date to the early Nara period (710–794).

[4] By legend the priest Gyōki (660–721) visited the temple site, which was then in the village of Ikeda, Chiba District, Shimōsa Province, in the reign of the Empress Genmei.

Gyōki reported this story to the Emperor Shōmu (701–756), a vigorous patron of the Buddhist faith, who then ordered the construction of a temple (伽藍, garan) and monks' quarters (僧坊, sōbō) on the site.

The Emperor Shōmu named the temple Kaishōzan Kanki-in Shōren Senyō-ji (海照山歡喜院青蓮千葉寺)[5] Archaeological evidence suggest the site was used for burials from the early Heian period, and graves from this period reveal 経筒 (kyōzutsu) containers to hold hand-copied Buddhist scripture, fragments of white porcelain Buddhist statuary, and glass beads produced in China during the Song dynasty (960–1279).

In recognition of the fulfillment of his prayers for military success and the aid of the Chiba clan, Yoritomo commissioned an extensive renovation of Chiba-dera in 1182 with the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate.

[5] The Chiba clan also commissioned structures and Buddhist implements over its long association with the temple, some of which survive and have been designated National Treasures of Japan.

[5] Members of the Tokugawa clan visited and worshiped at Chiba-dera, and the temple received a 100 koku stipend in the early 17th century.

[6] Despite this patronage Chiba-dera suffered numerous disastrous fires and subsequent reconstruction in the Edo period (1603–1868), notably in 1689, 1806, and 1852.

On August 6, 1945, the temple was significantly damaged by aerial bombardments, and the Kannon-dō built by Tokugawa Hidetada in 1623 was completely destroyed.