Kakushūji, Buddhist temple near Hirosaki Castle, Japan
Kakushūji is a Zen temple located near Hirosaki Castle, featuring a main hall with eight distinct chambers, the Nakamon gate, and a hall dedicated to Buddhist statuary. The layout allows visitors to move naturally through different sections, each serving specific religious purposes.
The temple was established in 1528 in Tanesato before being relocated to its current site around 80 years later. During the Edo period, it developed into a registry center for Soto Zen Buddhist priests, giving it administrative importance to the region.
The temple houses the Mieido Hall, where a wooden statue of the first lord of Hirosaki Domain is displayed and remains an object of reverence. Visitors can observe how local people connect with this representation of regional leadership and history.
The temple is free to enter and is easily accessible by bus from the Mukai-komagoshi stop on the Komagoshi Line. The grounds are compact, making it possible to see the main buildings and structures within a reasonable time frame without rushing.
The temple kitchen combines original wooden framework with sections reconstructed in 1794, offering a rare example of how structures were maintained and adapted over centuries. This blend of old and newer elements shows how the building evolved while keeping its essential character.
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