The shrine was established in the year 794 by Emperor Kammu when the capital was transferred to Heian-kyō from Nagaoka-kyō.

In earlier centuries, the shrine also has connected a special relationship with both the Genji and the Heiji.

[1] In 965, Emperor Murakami ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan.

Each year, the festival begins in the morning with a ceremony at the mausoleum of former Emperor Kazan.

On 26 August 2018, the shrine suffered extensive damage from Typhoon Jebi, which it has struggled to recover from.