As the family temple of the head of the representatives of Kanto region of the Muromachi Government, this temple is one of the 10 most important temples in Kanto region, second only to the Kamakura's five principle temples of Zen sect.

The temple's honorary mountain name, Kinpeizan, is said to be derived from the autumn colors that adorn the mountains surrounding the temple, which are as beautiful as a brocade covered folding screen. In addition, a great, variety of flowers can be enjoyed in the temple grounds throughout the four seasons.

The founding priest, Muso Kokushi, was an important priest of the Zen sect during the Kamakura and Nanboku period (14th century), responsible for the deep devotion of both the Emperor Godaigo and Ashikaga Takauji. His talent as a garden designer is evident in the garden he developed to the rear of the temple, which was excavated and restored in 1970 and is specified as a national place of scneic beauty.

the garden of Zuisenji
... was laid out by Priest Muso in a valley called Momijigayatsu in 1327. The valley, which gives us a view of Mt. Fuji far in the west, is surrounded by the mountains in the other directions. Those mountains serve as natural hedges of the garden, and are also used for its background. The garden also has some great according to its geological and geographical features. These devices make the garden native to Kamakura.