I wanted to keep Tokei-ji separate not because of its aesthetics but because of its story. The temple has very well-kept, contemplative gardens, but the buildings are fairly non-descript. What I liked about it was its role as the "divorce temple". For much of Japan's history, it was impossible for a woman to leave her husband legally. If, however, she ran away and managed to make it to this temple without getting caught, she could stay as a nun, and after three years she would be declared officially divorced. Now I know where the idea for the Amazing Race came from!