Konchi-in Temple is one of the subordinte temples of Nanzen-ji Temple, which is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism. Originally founded by the priest Daigo in the 15th Century in the Kitayama ourskirt of the morthern section of Kyoto City, it was later transferred to its present place by the priest Suden. For more than 25years in the early 17th century, Suden, who was also known as the "prime minister in the black robe", dominated in the fields of politics,diplamacy and culture.

All of the present buildings of Nanzen-ji Temple were constructed in the 16th century. Moreover many of them are designated as "Important Cultural Assets". Konchi-in has a famous dry landscape garden, Crane and Turrle garden. Tenju-an has two gardens, east and southgardens.