Soga no Umako
A number of records refer to the origin of the temple, such as the "Nihongi" and "Fusō-ryakuki". The original buildings of what was then called Hōkō-ji were constructed in 588, shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, under the orders of Soga no Umako. The temple was built using the guidance of masters and artisans from the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje.