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Church & Religious Site

Tōkei-ji

📍 1367 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
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Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Kamakura
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
About 1 hour
Address
1367 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
Coordinates
35.3400, 139.5440

Introduction

Tokeiji (東慶寺) in Yamanouchi, Kamakura, formally Matsunoshizan Tokeiji, is a Rinzai (Engakuji school) temple founded in 1285 by Kakuzan Shido-ni, wife of Hojo Tokimune, with Hojo Sadatoki as patron. In feudal times, when women could not divorce, those who fled to this temple could obtain one—the 'divorce temple' law lasted some 600 years until 1871. The main hall was rebuilt in 1935 and houses a Shaka Nyorai seated statue; the Suigetsu-do, relocated from the Kaga Maeda family's Buddhist hall, enshrines a Suigetsu Kannon statue opened to view on the 18th of each month. Soyen Shaku revived the temple in 1905, and D.T. Suzuki later founded the Matsugaoka Library on the hill behind it.

✨ Highlights

1
The Divorce Temple
For 600 years women could obtain a divorce at this temple.
2
Suigetsu Kannon
The Suigetsu-do hall, moved from the Kaga Maeda estate, opens its Kannon statue on the 18th monthly.
3
Founder Kakuzan Shido-ni
Founded in 1285 by the wife of Hojo Tokimune; second of Kamakura's five nunneries.
4
Tenjuin
Daughter of Toyotomi Hideyori and adopted daughter of Sen-hime, later the 20th abbess.
5
Soyen and D.T. Suzuki
Revived in 1905; D.T. Suzuki founded the Matsugaoka Library behind the temple.
6
Temple of Flowers
Rebuilt as a flower temple after the war; plum and maple seasons are finest.

🛈 Practical Info

→Address：1367 Yamanouchi, Kamakura
→Duration：About 1 hour
→Closed：Treasure hall closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday (temple open)
→Access：About 5 min walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Sta. (Yokosuka Line)

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday9:00-16:00
Tuesday9:00-16:00
Wednesday9:00-16:00
Thursday9:00-16:00
Friday9:00-16:00
Saturday9:00-16:00
Sunday9:00-16:00

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free AdmissionFree

Main hall visits by donation

Transportation

Bus

5 min walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Sta. (Yokosuka Line)

Driving/Parking

No temple parking; narrow roads, crowded weekends

💡 Tips

• Admission is free (the temple officially charges no entry fee); donations are welcome at the main hall.
• About 5 min walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station; combine with Engaku-ji and Meigetsu-in for a North Kamakura temple route.
• The 18th of each month is the Kannon festival day, when the Suigetsu Kannon statue is unveiled.
• Photography is prohibited on the temple grounds (except the entrance stairs and the cafe).
• The temple's Yoshino Cafe serves Japanese-style sweets—a good rest stop after your visit.
• Construction of a new Sanmon gate began in 2026; some areas may be temporarily closed.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Tōkei-ji?

Monday: 9:00-16:00; Tuesday: 9:00-16:00; Wednesday: 9:00-16:00; Thursday: 9:00-16:00; Friday: 9:00-16:00; Saturday: 9:00-16:00; Sunday: 9:00-16:00

How much is the admission for Tōkei-ji?

Free Admission: Free; Main hall visits by donation

Any practical tips for visiting Tōkei-ji?

Admission is free (the temple officially charges no entry fee); donations are welcome at the main hall. About 5 min walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station; combine with Engaku-ji and Meigetsu-in for a North Kamakura temple route.

How long should I spend at Tōkei-ji?

A typical visit takes About 1 hour.

How do I get to Tōkei-ji?

Bus: 5 min walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Sta. (Yokosuka Line); Driving/Parking: No temple parking; narrow roads, crowded weekends