Tokei-ji — Attraction in Kamakura

Costs a small fee. Named "divorce temple", as it is said that abused women seeking divorce were coming to hide in this place and found a safe heaven there. The entrance seems to be small, but the temple is actually vast. No massive buildings, but nice wooden ones, a huge bronze bell that you can't ring, and a small outside daibutsu (Buddha statue). At the back, a museum-souvenir shop, hosting some ancient delicately carved wooden daibutsu. Don't stop there! If you walk a little further deep in the valley, you'll find a lovely and wide terraced area in the woods, that is the cemetery. Plethora of old tombs, with some modern ones, stairs, moss, small statues, and a total silence, only broken by the birds' song. Fantastic place to refresh, away from the all modern civilization and noise. If you like sports, you'll find the tomb of the first Japanese citizen who got a gold medal at the Olympic...

I visited this small temple as part of a Kamakura tour with Tokyo Way. The group went to Tokeiji after visiting the nearby Engakuji. This smaller temple is a companion temple, originally opened by Engakuji's head monk's wife. The temple itself is rather small, but it has a wonderful history as one of the only Women Shelters in Edo Japan. Women could flee their abusive husbands, and the temple would protect them. If they lived and worked in the temple for a few years, the shogunate would then grant them a divorce and they could return to their birth families. The buildings of the temple aren't very spectacular, but in the back area of the temple grounds is the most serene and beautiful ancient cemetery. I would recommend, however, visiting the temple in the spring, since its garden is reportedly very beautiful, though I didn't get to...

I entered the temple grounds quietly to look around and took some photos of the flowers. Suddenly, a woman approached me, she was not a staff member but just another visitor. She yelled at me and told me that I'm not allowed to take photos. I later saw a "no photo sign" in the middle of the temple but there is no indication of this restriction at the entrance gate. I wanted to spend a peaceful time but it looks like people here are unfriendly and lack compassion. I felt disappointed since I was at a temple. I don’t think it’s harmful for the flowers to have their picture taken if the photographer is gentle and doesn’t destroy the plant. I don't know why she as so unfriendly and rude. The temple itself is lovely, small and quiet but I won't come again as I didn’t...