Saishoin Temple stands among 46 temples in the Zenrin-gai and Shinjicho districts, south of Hirosaki Castle, in the heart of Hirosaki City. It's one of the most representative temples in the area, alongside Choshoji Temple. Hirosaki City, famous for the Hirosaki Nebuta Matsuri (festival), boasts a rich history and culture within Aomori Prefecture. Saishoin Temple serves as a valuable testament to this history.
Saishoin's history stretches back to 1532 (Tenbun 1), when Hironobu, a native of Hitachi Province, established a temple building in Horikoshi Castle (present-day Horikoshi, Hirosaki City). Following the construction of Hirosaki Castle by Nobuhira Tsugaru, the second feudal lord, in the early Edo period, the temple relocated in 1611 (Keicho 16) to its current location, about 3 kilometers north of its previous site in Tamachi. This location was chosen as it fell on the unlucky northeast direction (kimon) of the castle. It became a branch temple of Hirosaki Hachiman Shrine, serving as the Tsugaru clan's perpetual prayer hall, with 12 affiliated sub-temples. In the early modern period, it functioned as the Soroksho (monastic registry office), overseeing temples and shrines throughout the Tsugaru domain.
Following the Meiji era's Shinbutsu Bunri (separation of Shinto and Buddhism) edict, 11 of the affiliated temples were abolished. Saishoin Temple absorbed the parishioners of these defunct temples and relocated to its current site (the former Daienji Temple grounds).
Saishoin enshrines the principal image of Dainichi Nyorai (the cosmic Buddha), along with Gochi Nyorai (Five Wisdom Buddhas), Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri Bodhisattva), Kankiten (Ganesha), Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), and Fudo Myoo (Acala), known locally as "Nekotsuki Fudo Myoo" (Cat-Punching Fudo Myoo). The temple grounds house the main hall, Niomon gate, five-story pagoda, Ruyi-rin Kannon-do hall (hexagonal hall), Gochi Nyorai-do hall, Gomado hall, Shodoku Taishi-do hall, Yakushi-do hall, Koshindo hall, and bell tower, each imbued with historical and cultural significance.
Saishoin Temple stands as a symbol of Hirosaki City's history and culture. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in history and tradition in a tranquil atmosphere, finding peace and serenity. Be sure to visit when you are in Hirosaki.
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