Type: Hilltop Castle
Built in: 1611 by Tsugaru Tamenobu.
Class: Existed Original Castle

Hirosaki Castle is one of the 12 existed original castles built in Sengoku Period. It is a hilltop castle of Aomori prefecture. The entire site is deginated as the national historic site. Tenshu is the original construction. There was main Tenshu that was 5 stories building but it was stricken by lightning and burn down in 1627. After that,the current Tenshu became a main keep. Not only Tenshukaku, all of keeps and gate are also original constructions. Also, moat, bailey and stone walls are also preserved in great condition.

Hirosaki Castle was consructed by Tsugaru family. Tsugaru Tamenobu joined the ciege of Odawara by Hideyoshi and Tamenobu was given the land of Hirosaki in 1590. In 1594, he started constructing Hirosaki Castle.

In 1600, Tamenobu joined Tokugawa Ieyasu's army at the battle of Sekigahara. Because of the victory of Sekigahara, Ieyasu extended his land and Hirosaki Domain was established.

After Meiji Restoration, Hirosaki castle was abandoned. Today, it is a historical park.

Tensyu-kaku
This Tensyu was originally one of the keep, but because the main keep was burn down, it was extended its function and made it as Tenshu. It is 3 stories building. The height of Tenshu 14.4m. It is the smallest Tenshu that exisit today.

Official Site: http://www.hirosakipark.or.jp/hirosakipark/