Getsusho-ji

Gessho-ji is a Jodo sect temple in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, restored in 1664 by Matsudaira Naomasa, the first lord of the Matsue domain, as a memorial hall for his mother Lady Gessho-in. The temple name and mountain name Kangizen were established at that time. It subsequently served as the family mausoleum for nine generations of the Matsudaira clan. The mausoleum complex is designated as a National Historic Site. The mausoleum gate of the renowned tea-culture seventh lord Matsudaira Fumai was crafted by master artisan Kobayashi Jodei. The legend of the giant stone tortoise—said to have wandered Matsue at night—was recorded by Lafcadio Hearn in his writings. The temple is widely known as the Hydrangea Temple for the many ajisai blooming throughout the grounds, and serves as the fifth stop on the Izumo Shinto-Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.