Nestled amidst the bustling energy of Tokyo, the Līnquán temple offers a serene escape. Līnquán temple, also known as Rinsen-ji, sits quietly in the Minato ward. This Buddhist temple, affiliated with the Jōdo Shū sect, holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Līnquán temple’s history is intertwined with the story of Lady Kasuga no Tsubone. This remarkable woman, born Saito Fuku, played a significant role in 17th-century Japan. She served as wet nurse to the future shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and was instrumental in his rise to power.
Līnquán temple, originally named Tentaku-ji, was founded in 1624 by Lady Kasuga. Tokugawa Iemitsu, grateful for her service, granted land for the temple. He even donated his father’s Edo villa to serve as the temple’s living quarters. The first abbot of Tentaku-ji was Lady Kasuga’s nephew, the priest Shinryū. Due to illness, he soon retired. Lady Kasuga then invited the esteemed prelate Isen Shūryū to become the next abbot. Tentaku-ji was then designated as Lady Kasuga’s family temple, with Isen honored as the founding abbot.
Isen Shūryū, born in 1565, had a rich spiritual journey before arriving at Līnquán temple. He trained under the Zen master Motsugai Shūhan. He also embarked on an extensive pilgrimage across Japan. Later, he served as priest at Ryūkō-ji and Kōzen-ji temples before accepting Lady Kasuga’s invitation. In 1634, Lady Kasuga herself received ordination under Isen and was given the Buddhist name Rinshōin Den Nin’en Ryōgi’ni Daishi. The temple was later renamed Līnquán temple in her honor after her death in 1643. Līnquán temple was once nicknamed “Karatachi Temple” because of the dense karatachi hedge surrounding its grounds. As Tokyo expanded, the hedge disappeared, but the temple’s peaceful atmosphere remains. Today, Līnquán temple continues to be a place of solace and reflection. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lady Kasuga no Tsubone.