The temple was founded by Priest Ryokanbo Ninsho. He leaned Buddhist discipline under the supervision of Priest Eison of Nara Saidaiji. In 1262, he was invited by Naritoki Hojo to become the head priest in 1267.

It is said that Gokurakuji was built in Fukazawa in 1259 and then moved to the current location by Shigetoki Hojo, who later became its founder. The temple, in the event of the Mongol invasion attempts, by order of the Kamakura Government and, even after the Kamakura Government was overthrown, maintained the temple rank as Chokuganjo which performed prayer for peace and stability of the country by imperial command. The premise used to be huge and that the temple had a Shichido Garan temple structure at the center, surrounded by many smaller temples, and medical facilites including a hospital as well.