Takaoka-no-Mori Hirosaki Clan History Museum

The Takaoka-no-Mori Hirosaki Clan History Museum opened in April 2018 as a municipal museum of Hirosaki City, specializing in items from the collection of the Tsugaru family, lords of the Hirosaki domain. Located in the Takaoka Forest approximately 2 km southwest of Hirosaki Castle, it is known for hosting the largest periodic sword exhibitions in northern Tohoku.

Important Cultural Property: Tachi Signed "Tomonari"

The museum's most important holding is the Important Cultural Property "Tachi signed Tomonari" (太刀 銘 友成作), on loan from Takashiteri Shrine. Tomonari was a swordsmith of Bizen Province active in the mid-Heian period (10th–11th century) and is regarded as a legendary master who helped establish the archetype of the Japanese sword. This tachi carries a tradition that it was received by Tsugaru Tamenobu, the first lord of the Hirosaki domain, as a gift from Toyotomi Hideyoshi — lending it outstanding historical value reflecting the political transitions from the Sengoku era into early Edo. Surviving Tomonari blades in good condition are extremely rare nationwide, making this a crucial physical specimen for Japanese sword history research.

Tsugaru Family Sword Collection

The Tsugaru family governed the Hirosaki domain (present-day western Aomori Prefecture), and numerous swords received from the shogunal house and other daimyo, as well as blades commissioned from celebrated swordsmiths, have been passed down through generations. The museum organizes and displays these systematically, allowing visitors to survey the evolution of samurai culture and swordsmithing craft across the Edo period within the regional context of Tsugaru. Detailed provenance and authentication information accompanies each blade, meeting the needs of enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Northern Tohoku's Largest Sword Exhibition

Hirosaki hosts an annual sword exhibition, primarily in autumn, that gathers outstanding blades from across the Tohoku region to create the largest event of its kind in northern Tohoku. Time slots are provided for photographing nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, among other visitor-friendly measures that allow deep engagement with sword culture.