Enkiri-dera Mantoku-ji Shiryō-kan, Buddhist temple museum in Ota, Japan
Enkiri-dera Mantoku-ji Shiryō-kan is a museum dedicated to a former temple that provided sanctuary to women seeking to end their marriages. The collection includes historical records, personal documents, and objects that illustrate the experiences of those who came here.
The temple was founded in 1246 and granted special status by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1591 as a family sanctuary. This official recognition created one of the few legal avenues available to women seeking divorce during that era.
The temple served as a refuge for women during the Edo period, offering them a path to legal separation from their husbands. Visitors can see how this place became a turning point for thousands of women seeking a new life.
The museum is easily accessible by walking from nearby train stations in Ota. Plan to spend around two hours to browse through the exhibits at a comfortable pace.
The museum preserves records of over 2000 women who sought refuge here between the 17th and 19th centuries. This large collection of personal documents serves as a rare historical source about women's lives in Japan.
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