Is it a temple or a graveyard? Jokan-ji is a place where peace and sorrow intertwine. It holds a unique place in Tokyo’s history. Jokan-ji Temple stands in Arakawa City. It is a Buddhist temple with a poignant past.
Jokan-ji’s story is deeply connected to Yoshiwara Yukaku. This was once Tokyo’s largest red-light district. Yoshiwara operated for nearly 380 years. Over 25000 courtesans rest at Jokan-ji Temple.
The temple dates back to the 17th century. Buddhist monk Junha founded it. The exact year is unclear. It was either 1629 or 1655. Yoshiwara Yukaku was originally in Nihonbashi. In 1657, it moved near Asakusa after a great fire. This new location was Shin-Yoshiwara. Jokanji Temple was a short walk away.
Jokan-ji earned the nickname “Throw-Away Temple”. In 1855, an earthquake devastated Shin-Yoshiwara. Over 500 women died. They were buried at Jokan-ji without ceremony. The temple became the final resting place for many courtesans.
The main deity enshrined at Jokan-ji is Amida Nyorai. This Buddha brings peace in life. He also brings happiness after death. Blessings include rebirth in the Pure Land. He also brings peace in the present life.
The Shin-Yoshiwara Memorial Tower honors the women of Shin-Yoshiwara. It commemorates over 25000 people connected to the district. This includes victims of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
Hanamata Kasui’s senryu poem is inscribed on the tower. It captures the hardships of the women. It reads “Born in hell, buried in Jokanji Temple”.
Wakamurasaki, a famous courtesan, is buried here. She was highly educated. She died young before marrying her lover. Her grave was built out of sympathy.
The Sunflower Jizo statue prays for poor laborers. Many laborers died alone. The sunflower symbolizes their hard work. Nagai Kafu’s Brush Mound is also here. He wrote about Shin-Yoshiwara. He wished to be buried here. His wish was not fulfilled. A memorial service honors him every April 30. It includes a lecture about his work.
Jokan-ji Temple stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of Tokyo’s complex history. It is a place to reflect on the lives of those who rest here. Their stories echo through the stones of Jokan-ji.