Matsue Guide…In English
English Guide to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, JapanMatsue – Temples and Shrines
Here are some of the main temples and shrines in Matsue. For more information on temples and shrines in Matsue and the surrounding area, please visit our Visit Shimane site. (The main theme of the sight is mythology and temples/shrines, and it gets updated more frequently!) www.visitshimane.com
As the Land of the Gods, the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture has a huge number of temples and shrines. A stroll around temple grounds is a relaxing, quiet way to spend an afternoon.
Here are some that we recommend…
FUMON-IN and KANGETSU-AN TEAHOUSE
Fumon-in Temple stands to the north-east of Matsue Castle which was thought to be an auspicious direction. The lords used to pray here for luck and safety. It also has its own ghost story, as was told by Lafcadio Hearn. (See below). Because of its direction and history, apparently some people in Matsue say they feel a presence and hurry when they have to go past the temple.
By far the best place in Matsue, (in our opinion anyway!) and unfortunately little known is Kangetsu-an Teahouse. It is over 200 years old and is one of the few remaining teahouses in Japan. It is said that Hearn studied tea ceremony here. It is set in a tranquil garden with a pond and long ago it is said that the lords of the castle used to sit in the shaded rooms drinking tea and looking out at the moon reflected in the pond.
The teahouse is undergoing renovation until autumn 2009, so will be closed until then.
There are no signs, but to the left of Fumon-in Temple is a door which looks like the entrance to a house. Ring the bell and someone will invite you in. The teahouse is in the garden at the back. It costs 600 yen with tea. The lady who showed us round is very nice and helpful.
Getting There: Take the lakeline bus from stop no.7 at Matsue Station. Get off at Shiomi Nawate and turn and go back over the bridge the bus just crossed and turn left. You will see it ahead of you if you keep walking.
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YAEGAKI
The pond at Yaegaki Shrine
This shrine plays a huge role in Japanese mythology and is famous throughout the country. It is dedicated to the Gods ‘Susano-no-Mikoto’ and ‘Inata-hime’, who married after Susano slayed the 8 headed dragon Yamata no Orochi.See here for more details on this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SusanooThere is a pond in the dark woods beyond the shrine, which it is said that Inata-hime used as a mirror. This pond is usually the main reason people, especially young women visit the shrine. There is the custom of putting a 5 yen coin on a small piece of paper (which you can get from the shrine shop) and placing it on the water. The length of time it takes to sink and the direction it takes determines your fate in marriage. The longer it takes to sink, the later you will marry. When I had a go, mine not only stayed afloat but it also barged into everyone elses and made them all sink…Who knows what that means…
Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Take the number 63 bus from Matsue Station to Yaegaki Jinja stop. (The bus turns round here so you shouldn’t miss it). Buses are only once an hour or so, so take your time!
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GESSHO-JI TEMPLE
Tenjin-san
Kamosu Shrine
Kamosu Shrine
Kamosu Shrine has to be one of Matsue’s most mystical places. From the torii gate leading up the steep stone steps to the shrine precinct itself, you are surrounded by trees that seem to give of a spritual energy, and the wind rustling the leaves is the only sound that breaks the silence.
The shrine dates back to the Heain Era (794 – 1185), however the present structure was rebuilt in 1583, and is a designated national treasure. It is dedicated to the female God Izanami, who according to Japanese mythology created the islands on Japan.
Getting there:
Take Ichibata bus no. 21 or 22 bound for Oba/Yakumo. Get off at Oba Shako and it is about a 1 min. walk. (If you say ‘Kamosu Jinja’ to the driver, he should let you know where to get off).
