The Mausoleum of the Domain Founder
The Tsugaru Tamenobu Mausoleum (津軽為信霊屋) is the one-bay mausoleum of Tsugaru Tamenobu, founder of the Hirosaki domain, in the precinct of Kakushuji of the early Edo period (1615–1660) in Fujishiro, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on November 14, 1953 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a one-bay square mausoleum with a hip-and-gable roof entered at the gable end, a cusped gable over the entrance and a shingle roof; designation number 01248.
The Founder's Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Tsugaru Tamenobu, founder of the Hirosaki domain, stands in the precinct of Kakushuji in Fujishiro, Hirosaki City, Aomori, and dates from the early Edo period (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It is one bay square, with a hip-and-gable roof entered at the gable end, a cusped gable over the front entrance and a roof of wooden shingles.
According to the Aomori Prefectural Board of Education, records say it was built by the second lord, Tsugaru Nobuhira, between 1608 and 1614. Wooden stupa boards line the interior around a hokyoin pagoda. The lacquer and rich colours of its carvings and ceiling paintings come mainly from a major repair in the Bunka era (1804–1818); it was probably much plainer at first.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency record has no commentary; the date, the early Edo period, and its form, a one-bay mausoleum with a gable-end entrance, cusped gable and shingle roof, set out what was designated.
What to Look For
At the mausoleum, look for the cusped-gable entrance and the lacquered, brightly coloured carvings and ceiling paintings (Agency for Cultural Affairs; Aomori Board of Education).
Visiting
The mausoleum is owned by Kakushuji (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to the Aomori Prefectural Board of Education, it is open except in winter, and visits must be arranged in advance.
Q&A
- Whose mausoleum is it?
- Tsugaru Tamenobu, the domain founder.
- Who built it?
- Tsugaru Nobuhira, the second lord.
- How old is the decoration?
- Mostly from a repair of 1804–1818.
- Can I visit?
- By application; closed in winter.
- When was the Tsugaru Tamenobu Mausoleum designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On November 14, 1953 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Tsugaru Tamenobu Mausoleum (津軽為信霊屋) |
|---|---|
| Location | 4-1 Fujishiro 1-chome, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/11/14 (Showa 28) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 1 bay by 1 bay, single storey, hip-and-gable roof, gable-end entry, cusped gable entrance, shingle roof |
| Owner | Kakushuji Temple |
| Public Access | Open by prior application, closed in winter (Aomori Prefectural Board of Education) |
References
- Tsugaru Tamenobu Mausoleum (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/64
- Tsugaru Tamenobu Mausoleum (Aomori Prefectural Board of Education, in Japanese)
- https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/soshiki/kyoiku/e-bunka/jubun_kenzoubutu_12.html
Last verified: 2026.11.12
