Matsue Gokoku Shrine

Overview

Matsue Gokoku Shrine stands within the grounds of Matsue Castle in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. It enshrines around 22,000 spirits connected with the former Izumo and Oki provinces, set quietly among the greenery of the castle precincts. Its location beside the National Treasure keep of Matsue Castle makes it an easy stop to combine with a castle visit.

Highlights

• ●Understated main hall in Shinmei-zukuri style
• ●Location within National Treasure Matsue Castle grounds
• ●Enshrines around 22,000 spirits of Izumo and Oki
• ●Quiet approach amid the castle greenery

History

In 1935 an association was formed to build a memorial shrine for Shimane, and the shrine was founded on 13 March 1939 as Matsue Shokonsha. Following a reform of the memorial-shrine system that April, it was renamed Matsue Gokoku Shrine. During the Second World War it was briefly called Shimane Shrine, returning to its original name in 1953. It is also remembered as the gathering point for those involved in the Matsue Incident of August 1945 before their uprising.

Map

35.4767, 133.0496 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Travel from JR Matsue Station toward Matsue Castle
2. 2Tour the Matsue Castle keep
3. 3Visit Matsue Gokoku Shrine in the castle grounds
4. 4Finish with a stroll along the moat and castle town

Did you know?

💡 The main hall is built in the Shinmei-zukuri style, a simple, straight-lined form associated with Ise Grand Shrine. Its setting within the historic grounds of the National Treasure Matsue Castle is one of the shrine's distinctive draws.

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