Kanshoin, one of the branch temples of Toeizan Kan-eiji Temple, was founded by Takatora Todo. While Ieyasu Tokugawa laid on his deathbed, he told Takatora, who adored Ieyasu, that he was concerned about the denomination Takatora belonged to, which was different from that of Ieyasu. Therefore, Takatora converted to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, founded by Tenkai, which Ieyasu believed in. Then, Takatora entered the Buddhist priesthood, and was given the Buddhist name "Kanshoin" by Tenkai. At that time, a secondary dwelling of the Todo family was located in an area around the present-day Ueno Zoo and Ueno Toshogu Shrine. However, when Ueno Toshogu Shrine was built after Ieyasu died, Shokanin was built in 1627 as Toshogu's shrine temple on the site of the secondary dwelling, considering convenience for visitors to Shokanin. It is said that, in terms of the art of castle-building and ground construction, Takatora was equal to Kiyomasa Kato, and built many castles.
 Most branch temples of Kan-eiji Temple and Shokanin were burnt down during the Boshin Civil War. Later, although Shokanin was rebuilt in an area behind Kan-eiji Temple in 1888, it was burnt down again in 1945 during the Second World War. Finally, Shokanin was rebuilt beside Tokyo National Museum. There is also a story that Ueno was named after Iga Ueno where the Takatora's territory existed.