Hirosaki Castle
| Hirosaki Castle 弘前城 |
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| Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan | |
Hirosaki Castle
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Aerial photograph
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| Coordinates | Coordinates: 40°36′25″N 140°27′52″E / 40.60694°N 140.46444°E |
| Type | hirayama-style Japanese castle |
| Height | three stories |
| Site information | |
| Condition | National Important Cultural Property |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1611, reconstructed in 1810 |
| Built by | Tsugaru clan |
| In use | 1611-1871 |
| Materials | Wood, stone |
Hirosaki Castle (弘前城 Hirosaki-jō?) is a hirayama-style Japanese castle constructed in 1611. It was the seat of the Tsugaru clan, a 47,000 koku tozama daimyō clan who ruled over Hirosaki Domain, Mutsu Province, in what is now central Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It was also referred to as Takaoka Castle (鷹岡城 or 高岡城 Takaoka-jō?).
Hirosaki Castle measures 612 meters east-west and 947 meters north-south. Its grounds are divided into six concentric baileys, which were formerly walled and separated by moats. It is unusual in that its Edo period donjon and most of its outline remains intact. Noted historian and author Shiba Ryōtarō praised it as one of the "Seven Famous Castles of Japan" in his travel essay series Kaidō wo Yuku.
During the late Sengoku period, former Nambu retainer Ōura Tamenobu was awarded revenues of 45,000 koku by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for his role in the Battle of Odawara in 1590. He took the family name of Tsugaru at that time. At the Battle of Sekigahara, he sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu and was subsequently confirmed as lord of Hirosaki Domain with revenues increased to 47,000 koku.
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