Yakumo Koizumi, a famous writer of the Meiji era. Gessho-ji is the temple that enshrines the stone statue of the large tortoise that was introduced in his book, Unknown Omens of Japan.

It is said that Gessho-ji was founded in 1664 by Nagamasa Matsudaira, the first feudal lord of the Matsue Domain, who revived a Zen temple called Toun-ji, which had been in this area for a long time.

It is also the origin of the name that it was built as a place to enshrine the monument of Gesshoin, Nagamasa's birth mother. The graves of the Matsudaira family for generations are enshrined on the premises, and it is designated as a national historic site.

Also, if you go to the mausoleum of Munenobu, the 6th lord of the domain, you will find a large stone turtle carrying a stone monument on its back. It was a stone statue of a turtle that was made to pray for the long life of the feudal lord. increase.

In order to restrain the rampaging stone turtle, it is said that the current stone monument is carried on top and confined. It is also known as a filial piety rock, which was made to pray for the longevity of parents, and it is now said that if you stroke the head of this giant turtle, you will live a long life.

■ Basic information
Name: Gesshoji Temple
Address: 179 Sotonakaharacho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
Nearest station: JR Matsue Station (22 minutes by bus)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 (closes at 17:00 in winter)
Price: Admission fee 500 yen
No regular holiday
Parking: Temple parking lot available

*Please check the website for detailed information.