The predecessor of the Honganji Esashi Betsuin (Nishi Honganji Temple) was a resting place of Ganjyo-ji Temple, built about 130 years ago. In 1878, the name was changed to Honganji Temple, and the area around the temple came to be known as Onishi-machi.
The buildings are made of materials cut all the way from their hometowns by Omi merchants and brought by Kitamae-bune.