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.
Bangunan asli dari apa yang kemudian disebut Hōkō-ji dibangun pada tahun 588, tak lama setelah diperkenalkannya agama Buddha ke Jepang, atas perintah Soga no Umako.