Referred to as an artificial mountain, Kinkei’s peak is the site of a compound sutra mound created by the Ōshū Fujiwara. The remains of a hall dedicated to the deity Zaō Gongen, the spirit of Mount Kimpu (near Nara), are believed located at the eastern foot of Kinkei, pointing to the mountain's association with the cult of Miroku (Maitreya, the future Buddha). Kinkei is also known for legends of buried golden chicken statues and gold treasure.