Exploring the Famous Zen Temples in Kita-Kamakura

The Tokeiji Temple was established as a sub-temple of the Engakuji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It was founded in 1285 by a nun named Kakusan-ni, the widow of Hojo Tokimune, the regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. It has a unique place in Japanese history and culture due to its role as a sanctuary for women. It is known as the "Divorce Temple" or "Kakekomi Dera" because it historically served as a refuge for women seeking to escape abusive or unhappy marriages. During a time when women had few rights and divorce was almost impossible to obtain, Tokeiji offered a unique solution.

Women who fled to Tokeiji and remained there for three years were granted an official divorce by the temple. This practice began in the 14th century and continued until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. Tokeiji was the only place in Japan where women could initiate divorce, making it an important institution for women's rights and social welfare.

We walk to a traditional Japanese restaurant called "Kamakura Gozan," which serves historical vegetarian foods such as "Kenchinjiru" fundamentally eaten by monks in Rinzai Zen Temples.

The name "Kamakura Gozan" could be drawing inspiration from the term used to describe the five great Zen temples of Kamakura, hinting at a possible cultural or thematic connection to the local heritage and the Zen Buddhist tradition.

The diet in Zen monasteries is vegetarian, designed to nourish the body and mind without causing harm to sentient beings. This cuisine, known as Shojin Ryori, is based on simplicity, mindfulness, and the use of seasonal ingredients. It's an integral part of the Zen Buddhist practice, reflecting the principles of non-violence, gratitude, and harmony with nature. The creation of "Kenchinjiru" by Rankei Doryu is often seen as an embodiment of the Zen Buddhist approach to food and life.

Jochiji Temple is the fourth ranked among the five great Zen temples, known as the Kamakura Gozan. It was founded in 1281 and belongs to the Engakuji school of the Rinzai Zen sect.

Jochiji attracts visitors, not only for its religious significance but also for its historical architecture, statues, and peaceful natural surroundings. It's a popular destination for those interested in Japan's cultural and spiritual history, as well as for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Kenchoji Temple holds the distinction of being the first Zen training monastery in Japan and was considered the most prestigious of the Kamakura Gozan (the five great Zen temples of Kamakura) during the Kamakura period.

Kenchoji was founded in 1253 by Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen master, under the patronage of Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate.

Kenchoji was not just a place of religious worship but also a hub of learning and cultural exchange. It played a critical role in the transmission of Zen teachings and practices from China to Japan. Furthermore, it was a center where various arts influenced by Zen, such as calligraphy, poetry, and tea ceremony, were cultivated and flourished.

The invention of "Kenchinjiru" is attributed to Rankei Doryu, a Chinese Zen monk who founded Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. The story of how he developed this soup is more anecdotal and symbolic, reflecting the principles of Zen Buddhism and the simplicity and mindfulness of the monastic lifestyle. It is said that Rankei Doryu may have introduced the recipe as a way to teach the monks about living in harmony with their environment, making use of what's available, and being grateful for the nourishment provided by nature.

After visiting Kenchoji Temple, we walk to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Passing through the pricinct of Hachimangu Shrine, we keep walking to Komachi-doori Shopping Street to Kamakura Station.