Do you know that there exists a ‘Divorce Temple’ in Japan?

‘Divorce Temple’, this name might sound peculiar but the intentions behind establishing Matsugaoka Tōkei-ji nearly 600 years ago was not at all peculiar. Matsugaoka Tōkei-ji, in Kamakura city, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, has been home to numerous women who have been victims of domestic violence. Yes, the reason is sad and heartbreaking but it was the need of the hour.

Also known as Tokeiji Temple, this historic Buddhist temple, belongs from a time when women didn’t have any rights and there were no provisions for ‘divorce’ in Japan. During that era, women seeking shelter from their abusive husbands would find refuge in this temple.

History of the temple

The temple was founded in 1285 by the Buddhist nun Kakusan Shidō-ni. Back then, (between 1185 and 1333), women in Japan had limited legal rights and a number of social restrictions. This time, women unhappy in their marriages would come and stay in the temple.

With time, the temple started getting popular as a safe haven and an institution where unhappy women could find protection and get their freedom from abusive relationships. Later, Tokeiji started providing official divorce certificates to such women known as tsuifuku-ji. This certificate granted them legal freedom from their marriages.
Given its selfless and compassionate mission, people started calling the temple as Kakekomi-dera, Temple of Severing the Relationship, The Temple for Runaway Women or the Divorce Temple.


You’ll simply fall in love with the temple surroundings, pretty gardens, and its well-preserved architecture. Though the temple does not cater to any divorce-related issues in the present day, it is a beautiful reminder of the miserable condition of the women from the bygone era.

Today, the temple stands as a significant symbol of empowerment and freedom for women in Japanese history.