History and tradition
as the mausoleum of the Matsue domain lords
passed down
History and anecdotes
as the mausoleum of successive lords of the Matsue Domain
Gesshoji Temple has long been preserved
the history dating back to the Edo period
Cultural artifacts that convey
are scattered throughout the grounds, and anecdotes related to the lords live on.
Each historical site
bears the inscription of Matsue's history and culture,
conveying glimpses of the past to visitors.
Chasen-zuka (Tea Whisk Memorial Mound)
Gesshoji Temple has a deep connection with tea, and a mound has been erected there to commemorate the chasen (bamboo whisk), one of the tools that underpin the tea ceremony.
The Chasen Mound is a symbol of gratitude for well-used chasen and a wish for the continuation of tea ceremony culture, and it attracts the faith of tea masters.
Grave of Lady Gesshoin, Mother of Lord Naomasa
Following the Great Kanto Earthquake, the Matsudaira family cemetery at Tentoku-ji Temple in Tokyo was relocated, and Gesshoin's grave was also moved.
This tombstone was made in Edo (present-day Tokyo) and was moved to Gessho-ji Temple as a result of the reburial. It
is a valuable historical site related to the mother of Lord Naomasa, who laid the foundation for the Matsue Domain.
Site of the Former Main Hall
The main hall, built during the Edo period, was demolished due to the Meiji Restoration and has not been rebuilt to its former size.
There was a plan to rebuild it during the Taisho era, but it never materialized.
As a remnant of that time, the foundation stones of the former main hall still stand quietly at the site.
Monument to Raiden Tameemon
Raiden Tameemon was a sumo wrestler who was active during the Edo period. He was born in 1767 in Shinano Province (present-day Nagano Prefecture).
Under the patronage of Lord Fumai, he became a sumo wrestler employed by the Matsue Domain at the age of 20, and achieved an astonishing record of 254 wins and 10 losses, earning him the title of the greatest sumo wrestler in history.
This monument is engraved with a large handprint of Raiden, and the inscription was written by Shiro Ozaki, the author of the novel "Raiden."
Juzō Monument of the Great Turtle
The "Great Turtle of Gesshoji Temple," which also appears in Lafcadio Hearn's essays, is located inside the mausoleum gate of the sixth lord of the domain.
Its dignified appearance has been passed down through generations and continues to captivate visitors.
There is also a legend that stroking its head will grant you a long life, and many people visit to make such a wish.