Pay Respects at the Nationally Important Cultural Property Five-Storied Pagoda, Praised as "the Most Beautiful Tower in Tōhoku"
About this spot
Saishōin (最勝院), a renowned temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect with its garan located in Dōyamachi (銅屋町) in the southeast of Hirosaki Park. The five-storied pagoda standing within its grounds was built in the early Edo period, standing at approximately 31 meters tall, and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Its well-proportioned, elegant form is praised as "the most beautiful tower in Tōhoku," and its silhouette floating above the castle town roofs is one of Hirosaki's representative landscapes. According to tradition, it was built to memorialize all who fell in the Tsugaru unification battles, regardless of which side they fought on—a place fitting for explaining to children the meaning of prayer. Cherished as the temple for those born in the Year of the Rabbit (卯年) with its tutelary bodhisattva (一代様), the grounds are adorned with charming rabbit statues scattered about, allowing you and your grandchild to explore them while walking, turning the visit into a little treasure hunt.
Tips
About a 15-minute walk from Ōtemom Gate of Hirosaki Park. You can also walk from Fujita Memorial Garden, but if with grandparents, a taxi ride (a few minutes) is easier. Prayer within the grounds is free. Have cash ready if you wish to receive a seal stamp (goshuin) or amulets. Viewing the pagoda from outside is the standard, and its appearance changes with each angle as you circumambulate it.
Best time to visit
Takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The pagoda is most beautiful in the late afternoon when bathed in the western sun, making it ideal for concluding your day in the castle town.
Access & map
〒036-8196 Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki City, Dōyamachi 63 (青森県弘前市銅屋町６３)
Model course featuring this spot
Hirosaki Park: A Leisurely Stroll Through the Castle Town with Castles and Neputa Floats
Aomori
Explore features & model courses
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