* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Hirosaki City Museum
弘前市立博物館
Overview
Overview
Hirosaki City Museum stands inside Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. It occupies a corner of the third bailey of the Hirosaki Castle grounds, the political heart of the Tsugaru domain (Hirosaki domain), and was designed by Kunio Maekawa, one of modern Japan's leading architects. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits materials on the history, art and crafts of the Tsugaru region.
Exhibitions
The permanent exhibition was renewed in 2016 and traces the history of the Tsugaru region from prehistory to the modern era. Materials related to the Tsugaru lords of Hirosaki and works of Tsugaru art and craft help convey the cultural depth of this castle town. Special exhibitions sometimes take up themes related to samurai culture and craftsmanship, so it is worth checking the official website before visiting.
Swords and Warrior Culture
Armor and swords formerly owned by the Tsugaru family of Hirosaki are collected and displayed at a related facility in the same city, the Takaoka no Mori Hirosaki Domain History Museum. Visiting both institutions offers a fuller picture of Tsugaru samurai culture.
Surroundings
The museum is located within Hirosaki Park, making it easy to combine with a visit to Hirosaki Castle, whose original keep survives, and the park famous for its spring cherry blossoms.
Visitor Information
Open 9:30-16:30. Closed on the third Monday of each month (the next day if it is a holiday), during the year-end and New Year period, and during exhibition changeover periods (open daily during special exhibitions). Admission for special exhibitions is 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for high school and university students, and 100 yen for elementary and junior high students. Please check the official website for current information.
Highlights
- Municipal museum in the third bailey of Hirosaki Castle grounds, inside Hirosaki Park
- Building designed by architect Kunio Maekawa
- Permanent exhibition (renewed 2016) tracing Tsugaru history from prehistory to modern times
- Tsugaru family armor and swords displayed at the related Takaoka no Mori Hirosaki Domain History Museum
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.