
Gesshoji Temple Matsue
A serene Buddhist temple with lush gardens, historical mausoleums, and a legendary stone turtle, offering a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hydrangea season blooms

Gesshoji Temple Matsue
Best Time
Hydrangea season blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple with lush gardens, historical mausoleums, and a legendary stone turtle, offering a peaceful escape.
"A peaceful and magical place with so much history intertwined with myth, truly magical and a doorway back in time."

🎯 Hydrangea Season Must-See
Don't miss the stunning hydrangeas from mid-June to early July for incredible photos!
🤫 Seek Quiet Moments
Arrive early to enjoy the temple's peaceful solitude and unique architecture.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hydrangea Gardens
Temple Grounds
A breathtaking ocean of vibrant colors from mid-June to early July, creating an enchanted atmosphere.

Legendary Stone Turtle
Temple Grounds
A massive, unusual, and noble-looking stone turtle statue that adds to the temple's unique and slightly eerie charm.

Matsudaira Family Mausoleums
Temple Grounds
Admire the woodwork and unique designs of birds and flowers in the gates of these historical tombs.

Tea House and Garden View
Tea House
Enjoy a peaceful moment with matcha and wagashi while overlooking the serene Japanese garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hydrangeas
Seek Solitude and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hydrangea Season Must-See
Don't miss the stunning hydrangeas from mid-June to early July for incredible photos!
🤫 Seek Quiet Moments
Arrive early to enjoy the temple's peaceful solitude and unique architecture.
🐢 The Giant Turtle
The legendary stone turtle is a unique and memorable sight; definitely a must-see!
🍵 Matcha Break
Enjoy a delicious matcha and wagashi set with a beautiful garden view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hydrangea Season Must-See
Don't miss the stunning hydrangeas from mid-June to early July for incredible photos!
🤫 Seek Quiet Moments
Arrive early to enjoy the temple's peaceful solitude and unique architecture.
🐢 The Giant Turtle
The legendary stone turtle is a unique and memorable sight; definitely a must-see!
🍵 Matcha Break
Enjoy a delicious matcha and wagashi set with a beautiful garden view.
🚌 Accessible by Loop Bus
The tourist loop bus stops conveniently across the street, making it easy to reach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gesshoji Temple for its immense serenity, stunning hydrangea blooms during season, and unique historical elements like the Matsudaira family mausoleums and the legendary stone turtle. The peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a memorable and magical experience. Some find the historical tombs less engaging if they lack specific interest, but the overall beauty and unique charm are widely appreciated.
"The nature around the temple and the tea room is magnificent. However, the garden in the entrance area is barely maintained and looks wild and ugly and there is also some conservation construction going on. The deeper you get into the depth of the temple garden the more gorgeous it becomes. So go to the garden and spend money and get a tea so that the conservation can be proper!"
Ari bi
"It’s a shame that it’s been neglected for so long, including the famous statue of the giant turtle. They’re doing some renovations but it’s too little too late. The place almost looks abandoned and in terrible disrepair. There really isn’t a temple component for visitors to appreciate; it’s more of an old VIP cemetery of regional rulers."
Miguel Gonzalez
"I was surprised how huge the place is. The hydrangeas were in full bloom and we took really beautiful photos. A matcha drink was definitely a great way to end the tour."
Louviña
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gesshoji Temple is easily accessible. The tourist loop bus stops conveniently across the street from the temple, making it a straightforward journey from other Matsue attractions.
Gesshoji Temple is located a short distance from Matsue Castle, often described as a 'jog away'. You can easily combine visits to both attractions in one day.
The tourist loop bus is a popular and convenient option for getting to and around Gesshoji Temple and other sights in Matsue.
Depending on your starting point in Matsue, walking might be an option, but the tourist loop bus is generally recommended for ease of access.
Information on specific parking availability can be limited, but utilizing public transport like the loop bus is a reliable alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours can vary, Gesshoji Temple is generally open for visitors to explore its grounds and mausoleums. It's advisable to check local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Admission fees for Gesshoji Temple are typically modest, covering access to the temple grounds, mausoleums, and gardens.
Advance booking is generally not required for Gesshoji Temple. Tickets can usually be purchased upon arrival at the entrance.
While there aren't typically special passes exclusive to Gesshoji Temple, consider if any city-wide tourist passes might offer discounts for multiple attractions.
The admission fee typically grants access to the serene temple grounds, the historical mausoleums of the Matsudaira family, and the beautiful Japanese gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
The hydrangea gardens during bloom season offer stunning colorful backdrops. The unique stone turtle and the intricate woodwork on the mausoleum gates are also highly photogenic.
Photography rules can vary, but generally, photography inside the mausoleums themselves might be restricted to protect the historical artifacts. Always look for signage.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere. During hydrangea season, midday can also be vibrant.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites and historical landmarks to ensure peace and preservation. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
The combination of the lush Japanese gardens, the imposing stone turtle, and the detailed mausoleum architecture provides numerous unique photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍵 Food & Dining
Yes, there is a tea house within the temple grounds where you can enjoy matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) while admiring the garden view.
The primary offering at the tea house is matcha and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), providing a delightful cultural experience.
While the temple itself offers a tea house, you'll find a wider selection of restaurants in the Matsue city area, a short distance away.
Picnicking is generally not encouraged within the temple grounds or gardens to maintain their serenity and cleanliness. The tea house offers a designated space for refreshments.
The matcha and wagashi set is highly recommended, offering a classic and delicious taste of Japanese culture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Giant Turtle
This legendary element, combined with the historical significance of the Matsudaira family mausoleums, creates a narrative that goes beyond a typical temple visit. It's this intertwining of factual history with folklore that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, making Gesshoji Temple a truly unique experience.
Gardens and Seasonal Beauty
Beyond the hydrangeas, the temple grounds offer a serene escape surrounded by bamboo forests, contributing to the overall peaceful solitude. The careful design of the Japanese garden provides a tranquil space for contemplation and appreciation of nature's artistry. Whether you visit during the peak bloom of hydrangeas or another season, the meticulously maintained gardens offer a calming and visually pleasing experience.
Historical Significance and Mausoleums
The temple's connection to the Matsudaira family adds a layer of depth to the visit, intertwining family history with the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. While some visitors might not have a deep interest in the historical narratives, the sheer scale and unique artistry of the tombs are often remarked upon. The overall experience at Gesshoji Temple is a blend of serene natural beauty, intriguing legends, and historical reverence.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit