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Eishoji Temple - the only nunnery in Kamakura
Tokozan Eishoji is a temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism and the only nunnery in Kamakura today. The grounds were said to have been the residence of Ota Odkan (1432-1486), a reputed warrior of his era. The temple was founded by Eishoin (Buddhist name of a lady and an ancestor of Dokan). She served Tokugawa ieyasu (1542-1616), the first shogun of Edo period. Ieyasu gave her a name, Okatsu (or Okatsu no Tsubone, “Lady Victory”) in praise of her courage to accompany him in battle and resulting victory. After Ieyasu’s death, Okatsu no Tsubone became a nun, taking the Buddhist name Eishoin.
Because of the connection with her ancestors, the Ota family, she was soon granted land and had a temple built here. Now the temple keeps the atmosphere of nunnery with valuable Buddhist structures surrounded by various kinds of flowers in four seasons.
Main Hall
(designated as a National Important Cultural Property - NICP)
At first sight it appears to be a two-storied structure because of the second roof around the lower part of the hall. However, it is actually single story. The lower roof, called mokoshi when attached to the lower part of a tall building, is designed to give viewers the impression of a well-balanced structure. Under the eaves of four sides are supports. Each of these struts (kaerumata, literally frog-leg strut) have carvings of these animals of the Chinese zodiac, twelve in all: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, tiger, dog and boar. Through the front windows, we can take a look at the inside – a golden statue of Amida Buddha with two attendants, Kannon and Seishi. The latticed ceiling has colorful paintings of the Western Paradise of Buddhism a dragon in the center, celestial maidens, musical instruments and flowers, along with crest of the Tokugawa family (three hollyhock leaves) and the Ota family (a balloon flower). Small metal cicadas are attached to front doors at the lower parts. They are considered to be reminder that you should do so quietly so as not to surprise such small “creatures”.
Sanmon Gate
(designated as a National Important Cultural Property - NICP)
This two-story Sanmon Gate was fortunately reconstructed in 2007. The original gate had been completely destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 but was purchased by a banker named Majima Otohiko (187-1928) and restored at his residence. As it had been well preserved, most materials were reused in reconstruction. Now it stands in front of the main hall, fully keeping its original appearance.
Karamon Gate and Shido Hall
(both designated as a National Important Cultural Property - NICP)
The Karamon is the gate to the Shido Hall. Though this gate is small, the beams have elaborated open lattice works of peonies on both sides. After the gate a sheltered hall, Shido Hall is seen to the right on the raised ground. Inside of the covering is an impressively decorated structure decorated with Buddhistic patterns in bright colors. This hall was erected in memory of the founding nun, Eishoin, and contains her mortuary tablet.
Belfry
(designated as a National Important Cultural Property - NICP)
This belfry has a seldom seen structure – lower part widens like hakama, Japanese skirt worn on formal occasions, which gave rise to the word hakama-koshi for this style of architecture.
Straight ahead from the entrance and past the living quarters are a study and tea house on the raised ground at the top of some stone steps. A bamboo thicket borders the back hill. A strolling along the lanes among seasonal lowers is recommended.
Date: 2025-04-17
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
