Joshoji Temple located in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture is an old temole dating back to the Kamakura period. According the temple record, it was founded in 1313 by the priest Taa Shinkyo, the second Traveling Saint (Yugyō Shōnin).
The main building, Kannondo Hall and other strucyures are designated as Important Cultural Properties by the prefecture. The inscription of the foundation year on the side of Shumidan (alter) shows that the main hall was built in 1366 during the Nanbokucho period. The main hall has the 3-bay naijin (the inner sanctum), which is surrounded by gaijin (worship hall) and wakijin (the parts on both sides of naijin). The architectural style in the Nanbokucho period (1336-1392) is well preserved in the parts above Kashiranuki (the horizontal head penetrating tie beams).
The other temple buildings were constructed by Ashikaga Takauji in 1340, but all except the mail hall were destroyed by a battle fire in 1352. In the next year, the Somon gate and Kyakuden (a guest hall) were reconstructed.