Tokeiji Temple 東慶寺 in Kita Kamakura (also called Kakekomi-dera 駆け込み寺). This latter term is translated as “refuge temple” or “shelter for battered women” or “divorce temple.” The temple is still known most widely as the divorce temple. During the Kamakura period, women could seek shelter and sanctuary here from their husbands. The term "Kakekomi" is a common phrase used to denote a last-minute rush, as when people dash to get on a departing train in the final second. So the nickname Kakekomi-dera is appropriate, for it connotes women dashing to get away from their husbands. This temple was originally founded by Mino no Tsubone, a kinswoman of Yoritomo Minamoto. It was re-established in 1285 by the wife of Tokimune, sixth Hojo regent during the Kamakura era, and served as a nunnery until recent times. Click any photo below to begin the tour. The winter photos were taken Jan. 21, 2006.

Inari Shrine nearby Steps to Tokeiji Steps to Tokeiji Entrance Gate Welcome Path Building Snow Buddha Blessings Blessings Next level Praying Gravestone White Jizo Statues Memorials Memorials Life After Death Jizo Rest in Peace Flower-Blooming Jizo Stairway Pagoda Museum Museum Entrance Exiting Tokeiji Temple April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji, JIZO April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji April 2005 Tokeiji

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Says scholar Robert Morrell: "In one Edo-period sketch dating from 1685 (a good year, what with Sebastian Bach, Hakuin Zenji, and all) the only item prominently missing today is the central Buddha Hall. Burned down?  Nope. In 1907 some wealthy connoisseur moved it lock, stock, and barrel to the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, where it is carefully preserved. Well worth a visit."

In July 2006, a new book entitled "Zen Sanctuary of Purple Robes: Japan's Tokeiji Convent since 1285" is planned for release by SUNY press in Albany. The book was written by Prof. Morrell and his wife Sachiko Morrell.

Web Resources

• Tokeiji Temple in Kita-Kamakura (by Kondo Tadahiro)

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