亀井院

Mysteriously, a turtle appeared. This seemingly simple event gave Kamei-in its current name. Kamei-in, nestled in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, is more than just a temple. It’s a story etched in stone and whispered by a well. Kamei-in began its journey in 1635. It served as a retirement haven for the 11th abbot of the nearby Guhō-ji. Originally called Bin’i-bō, Kamei-in’s story took a dramatic turn in 1705. Nagayori Suzuki, a shogunate administrator, embarked on a restoration project. He used stones from the revered Nikkō Tōshō-gū, a daring act that led to his censure and eventual seppuku. This period saw Kamei-in briefly known as Suzuki-in. However, the name faded after Nagayori’s demise. The temple’s connection to Guhō-ji remains strong. Kamei-in sits southeast of Guhō-ji and continues to be a sub-temple. Kamei-in houses the Mama Well, a place of historical significance. The Man’yōshū, an ancient collection of Japanese poetry, holds a poem referencing this very well. Takahashi Mushimaro, a Nara period court official, immortalized the well and a maiden named Tekona in his poem “On the maiden of Mama of Katsushika”. The poem speaks of Tekona drawing water from the well, a scene that echoes through time. Kamei-in also holds a connection to a prominent figure in Japanese literature. Hakushū Kitahara, a renowned tanka poet of the early 20th century, resided in Kamei-in’s monk’s quarters in 1916. The temple’s tranquility may have inspired his poignant verses. Kamei-in is easily accessible from Kōnodai Station on the Keisei Main Line. A short walk leads you to this place where history, poetry, and spirituality converge. The turtle, the well, and the whispers of the past await you at Kamei-in.