The three official temples of Ezo have survived the multiple eruptions of Mt. Usu and continue to tell the story of that time.

Its official name is Jodo sect Daiusuyama Dojoin Zenkoji. It is said to have been founded in 826 when Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), a Tendai sect monk of Mount Hiei, carved a wooden statue of Amida Nyorai, which appeared on the summit of Mount Usu, and enshrined it in a small chapel. In 1613, Matsumae feudal lord Matsumae Yoshihiro restored the dilapidated Nyorai-do hall and built it as Usu Zenkoji Nyorai-do. In 1804, the Edo Shogunate designated it as one of the three official temples of Ezo, along with Toshu-in in Samani-cho and Kokutai-ji in Akkeshi-cho.

Although it has suffered damage from the repeated eruptions of Mt. Usu, it has been restored and retains the charm of its past. In 1974, the entire temple grounds were designated a national historic site. In addition, the numerous treasures handed down at the temple have been designated as Important Cultural Properties as "Materials Related to Zenkoji Temple, One of the Three Official Temples of Ezo," and are stored and exhibited in the Treasure Museum.

Usu Zenkoji Temple faces the scenic Usu Bay, which is also likened to Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots, and is famous as a famous flower spot in Date City, with a variety of trees and flowers that color the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and ginkgo trees, planted within the temple grounds. There are several large cherry trees over 200 years old within the temple grounds, and the most famous of these is the Ishiwari Sakura, which grew by splitting a huge boulder. Standing quietly at the very back of the grounds, this cherry tree still blooms in spring.

In addition to these, Usu Zenkoji Temple is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with many large weeping cherry trees and Yae cherry trees planted. During cherry blossom viewing season, the temple grounds are crowded with tourists from all over the country on tour buses. It is also known as a famous hydrangea spot, and there are many flowers and trees for each season of the year, making it a flower spot where you can feel the breath of nature throughout the four seasons.