In this area, there was originally a Jodo Buddhist temple called Zendoji that was founded by priest Sonkan (1239–1316). Later, Chorakuji Temple, which had been built by Hojo Masako (1157–1225) to pray for the repose of her late husband Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), was destroyed by fire, so it was rebuilt here on the site of Zendoji Temple at the end of the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Masako was given the posthumous Buddhist name of Anyoin, and this is said to be the origin of the temple’s present name. Centuries later in the early Edo period (1603–1867), the Senju Kannon (“thousand-armed goddess of mercy”) from Tashiroji Temple was moved to Anyoin. In the Hondo (main hall), a statue of Masako is enshrined along with other images, while behind the Hondo is a stone stupa said to be her tomb.
Temple No. 3 of the Kamakura 33-Kannon pilgrimage and No. 24 of the Kamakura 24-Jizo pilgrimage.