Saishoin, five-story pagoda

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Saishoin, a five-story pagoda, was built in 1667 by the lord of those days to pray for the fallen soldiers on both sides who fought the fights occurred in the process of unifying Tsugaru area. Despite the long history of 350 years since it was built and the weather conditions of severe wind and snow in winter in this area, it still keeps its graceful feature. It is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Hirosaki so much so that some people even say when you hear Saishoin, immediately the image of the five-story pagoda comes to mind.

The five-story pagoda which is said to be the most beautiful in Japan.

This five-story pagoda is 31.2 meters tall. The pagoda built without any nails is designated as a national important cultural heritage site. For the five-story pagoda built in the Edo era, it has a rather long Sorin (metal pinnacle on the top of a pagoda). It is known as the most beautifully shaped five-story pagoda in Japan.

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The chief priest’s wish come true, cluster‐amaryllis.

Saishoin is also famous for its beautiful flower bed of cluster-amaryllis. Cluster-amaryllis are originally not good with cold weather. Therefore, it is rarely seen in Aomori which lies in the cold Tohoku prefecture. However, the chief priest in Saishoin made a lot of effort to have this flower in their premises. Today, his effort has borne fruit and we can see as many as 500 red cluster-amaryllis blooming there.

Breathtaking seasonal scenery

The five-story pagoda is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Bright green leaves in summer, red and yellow leaves in fall, and white snow in winter. It has different features each season.