The temple was originally built by Gyoki in 713 (Wado 6) as Kijozan Katsurai-ji Temple in accordance with an imperial order from Emperor Gemyo. In 829 (Tencho 6), Dosho, a disciple of Kukai, enshrined a statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu, the principal deity of the temple. In 868, the name of the temple was changed to Horin-ji Temple. Known as the temple of "Jusan mairi," men and women of thirteen years of age make pilgrimages to the temple to receive wisdom and good fortune. On February 8 and December 8 of each year, the temple holds an annual needle offering ceremony for used needles, and on May 23, the Dendenkyu Grand Festival is held at the Dendenkyu Temple, which enshrines Denden Myojin, a deity that protects electricity and radio waves.