Gangyō-ji was constructed in 868 as a
jōgakuji (private temple which had been accorded official status) at the request of
Fujiwara no Takako, the mother of
Emperor Yōzei. The founding monk was
Henjō, one of the
Six Immortal Poets. In 877 (the first year of the
Gangyō era), it became an official temple at the request of Emperor Yōzei, and changed its name to reflect the
nengō. In 986,
Emperor Kazan was forced to become a monk at this temple through a scheme by
Fujiwara no Kaneie and his son
Fujiwara no Michikane, and Kaneie's grandson, Prince Kanehito (
Emperor Ichijō), ascended to the throne. As Emperor Kazan was tonsured at this temple, it became popular known as "Kazan-ji" (花山寺), and is referred by this name in the
Ōkagami. Because of its ties to Emperor Kazan, the temple is listed as an extra temple on the pilgrimage to the Saigoku Pilgrimage. The temple was destroyed by fire during the
Ōnin War, and the grounds have since shrunk. The current
Main Hall was rebuilt during the
An'ei era (1772-1781). Gankei-ji Temple - San-mon Gate.jpg|Sanmon Emperor Kazan.jpg|Emperor Kazan The temple is approximately a 20 minute walk from
Misasagi Station on the
Kyoto Municipal Subway Tōzai Line. ==References==