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Gesshoji is the family temple
of the Matsudaira clan, which ruled over the Matsue domain, and it is here
that the graves of the 1st Matsudaira Lord, Naomasa, through to the 9th
Lord, Nariyoshi, lie. Lafcadio Hearn has extolled the peaceful atmosphere
of this temple. In the northern part of the temple grounds stands a huge
stone statue of a tortoise. This tortoise is said to stagger around night
after night frightening people. In memory of the tea master Lord Fumai,
a chasen kuyo (tea whisk memorial service) is held every year on the Sunday
nearest to April 24, the anniversary of Lord Fumai's death. In June, the
temple overflows with blooming hydrangeas, and it is for this reason that
the temple is commonly referred to as the "hydrangea temple." |
