Guide to the temple grounds
Recommended routes to visit
After accepting the reception at Shoin,
the recommended route is to visit the venue in the order ① to ⑳.
If you would like a goshuin stamp, please contact the reception desk at Shoin.
1Shoin (reception reception)
Shoin retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. It is characterized by its highly refined construction, and reception is also held here.
2Karamon and the bell tower
The Karamon gate is believed to have been built in the mid-17th century and is thought to have been caused by the rituals of the Matsue Domain. The bell tower is characterized by its elephant nose decoration and was moved to its current position during the Taisho period.
3Chasen-zuka — A Monument Honoring the Tea Whisks
A mound for offering memorial services to tea whisks used in tea ceremony. It is a place that symbolizes the deep connection between Matsue Domain and tea ceremony culture.
4First Naomasa Tomb
The tomb of Matsudaira Naomasa, the first lord of the Matsue domain. The temple gate is a cultural property designated by Shimane Prefecture, and the ken kara gables are decorated with elaborate sculptures of tigers and bamboo.
5The Tomb of the Seventh Ancient Osamu (Fumai Kuni)
The tomb of Fumai, the seven feudal lord who developed tea ceremony culture. The temple gate is delicately carved, and conveys the great achievements of a tea master to this day.
6The Great Sangwei Tomb
The tomb of the five lords of the five domains who put great effort into defense. The temple gate is characterized by its waterfowl sculptures, and was also committed to resuming the Oki rule.
7Grave of Lady Gessho-in, Mother of Naomasa, the First Lord
The grave was moved from Tentokuji Temple in Tokyo after the Great Kanto Earthquake. The tomb tower, built in the Edo period, is still intact.
8Third generation Tsunako Kinko Tomb
The tomb of the three feudal lords who undertook reform of feudal government. The highlight of the temple gate is its elegant design with dragon carvings.
9The 9th generation Saisai Tomb
The tomb of the nine generations of feudal lords who were also interested in Western culture. The temple gate is decorated with openwork carved eagle on the pine tree, reflecting the taste.
10Second generation Tsunataka Tomb
The tomb of the second lord of the domain who culturally developed the Matsue domain. The temple gate is characterized by its prestigious construction and carvings of paulownia crests.
11Yatsushiro Saito Tomb
The tomb of the Yatsushiro lord, who worked hard to promote culture. The temple gate is characterized by its gorgeous construction, with peonies and gourds carved into its peony.
12Tomb of the Fourth Generation Yoshitoru
The tomb of the four feudal lords who were short-lived due to illness. The temple gate is carved with six monks and paulownia crests.
13Juzō Monument of the Great Turtle
It is one of the most representative stone structures of Gekisho-ji Temple, and is a monument to the large turtle quietly sits near the temple gate of the sixth feudal lord, Muneyao. It also appears in Koizumi Yakumo's essays, and there is a legend that if you stroke your head, you can live a long life.
13Six Sect's Tomb
The tomb of the sixth generation Lord Matsudaira Muneo, who supported the reforms of the Kyoho era. The temple gate, which is decorated with elephant noses and a statue of Nio, has a dignified appearance.
14Otamaya
This mausoleum is enshrined with memorial tablets of successive lords of the Matsue domain. It was built in 1798, and is opened every year at the opening of the sacred shrine on August 16th.
15Site of the Former Main Hall
The site of the main hall built in the Edo period. It was demolished during the Meiji Restoration, and there were plans to rebuild the building during the Taisho period, but it was not realized.
16The current main hall and tea room
The current main hall was built in 1954. The statue of Amida Buddha, the main image, is enshrined. The tea room is located at the back of the main hall, and is a place where tea ceremony was once held, conveying the atmosphere of the past to this day.
17Treasure Hall
Cultural properties associated with the lord of Matsue Domain are exhibited. It contains tea ceremony utensils related to Fumai Kuni and valuable artworks.
18Monument to Raiden Tameemon
A stone monument with handprints of Raiden Tameemon, a sumo wrestler owned by the Matsue Domain. It praises the man who was called the strongest ozeki in history.
19Flower Memorial Tower
A memorial tower located in the garden of Gesshoji. It is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
20Famous water used by Fumai Kokoro
This pure water is known as a famous water suitable for tea and has been selected as one of Shimane's 100 best waters. You can feel the refreshing flow at Mitarai next to the approaching path.
