Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Rinshō-in Temple beckons us with its serene embrace. Rinshō-in, also known as Karatachi Temple, whispers tales of influential figures and a rich history intertwined with the Tokugawa shogunate. Rinshō-in began as Tentaku-ji Temple in 1624. It was founded by Lady Kasuga no Tsubone, a remarkable woman who held significant influence in 17th-century Japan. She served as wet nurse to the future shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and played a key role in his ascension.
The temple’s very land is a gift from the shogunate. Tokugawa Iemitsu granted 3.3 hectares of land for the temple. He also 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, Shinryū. However, illness forced his retirement. Lady Kasuga then invited the esteemed priest Isen Shōryū to become the next abbot in 1630. Under Isen’s guidance, Tentaku-ji flourished. It was designated as Lady Kasuga’s family temple. Isen was honored as its founding abbot. In 1634, Lady Kasuga herself took Buddhist vows under Isen’s tutelage. She received the Buddhist name Rinshōin Den Nin’en Ryōgi’ni Daishi. After her death in 1643, the temple was renamed Rinshō-in in her honor.
Lady Kasuga’s grave resides within the temple’s cemetery. It’s a unique monument. Her gravestone, and its supporting stone, are pierced with holes. This unusual feature reflects her wish to continue watching over the land, even in death. The people of Tokyo hold Lady Kasuga in high regard. Many visit her grave, hoping to receive a touch of her wisdom and good fortune. The holes in her gravestone are also seen as conduits for wishes. Rinshō-in was once surrounded by a protective hedge of karatachi, a type of spiny citrus tree. This gave the temple its nickname, “Karatachi Temple.” Sadly, with urban development, this hedge no longer exists. Yet, within Rinshō-in’s peaceful grounds, the echoes of its past linger. It remains a tranquil oasis amid the bustling metropolis, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped its history.