Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is home to numerous buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods that have been restored and are still in use today.

For instance, near Hirosaki Castle is "Ishiba Ryokan" a traditional Japanese inn that opened during the Meiji era. As previously covered in Hirosaki Navi, Ishiba Ryokan retains its original architectural elements, including the iconic drum bridge at the entrance and the vintage pillar clock inside, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

Hirosaki also boasts long-established businesses from the Meiji period, such as the wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop "Kashitsukasa Mishima." This time, we introduce another historical attraction where you can experience the atmosphere of the Meiji era—the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha.

Built in 1907, the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha has an intriguing history and notable highlights that make it a must-visit site. Let's explore its story and key attractions.

A Building for Military Socialization and Research

The Former Hirosaki Kaikosha was originally built in 1907 as a social club for officers stationed at the Eighth Division garrison in Hirosaki. The facility served as a gathering place for officers to socialize, study military research, and purchase military supplies.

The architect behind the structure was Sakichi Horie, a renowned master carpenter from Hirosaki. He designed over 1,500 buildings during his lifetime, many of which still exist today, including the Former 59th Bank Building and the Former Hirosaki Library.

Due to aging, the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha underwent major restoration starting in 2013. After seven years of work, it was reopened to the public in 2020.

Today, it serves as a tourist attraction, an event venue for local businesses, and a campus for Hirosaki Kosei Gakuin, a vocational school for aspiring childcare workers and caregivers. The restored Kaikosha is a vibrant space that preserves its historical legacy while serving contemporary purposes.

Must-See Highlights of the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha

1. The "Bee" Relief Symbolizing the Eighth Division

As you approach the entrance of the building, look up at the "bee" relief adorning the car porch. The bee motif, set against an elegant arabesque design, represents the "eight" in the Eighth Division, as "hachi" (eight) sounds like "hachi" (bee) in Japanese. This subtle yet meaningful decoration is an essential detail to look for.

2. The Garden Loved by Emperor Taisho

One of the most beautiful features of the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha is its garden, which has a special historical significance.

Originally, the Kaikosha was part of the division headquarters within what is now Hirosaki University. It was relocated in 1907 to its current location, which was once the residence of the ninth lord of the Tsugaru domain. This site was renowned for its scenic garden, considered one of the finest in Hirosaki.

The garden captivated Prince Yoshihito (later Emperor Taisho) during his visit. He loved the serene landscape so much that he named it "Koushien" (meaning "a place of relaxation") and personally planted a pine tree there.

Today, the garden blooms with cherry blossoms in spring and azaleas in summer. During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, it becomes a spectacular sight filled with pink petals. In winter, the snow-covered scenery transforms it into a tranquil, monochrome wonderland.

3. Chandeliers with Unique Designs

Inside the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha, visitors will notice the varied chandelier designs throughout the building.

The reception hall and library feature simpler chandeliers, while the guest rooms on the north and south sides have more elaborate ones. These rooms were used by high-ranking military officers, and the intricate chandelier designs reflect their prestigious status.

Spotting these differences adds an extra layer of enjoyment when touring the building.

Recommended Tour Experience

To fully appreciate the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha, a guided tour is highly recommended.

Dedicated staff provide informative explanations about the building's history, architecture, and hidden details. This ensures you won’t miss any of the must-see highlights during your visit.

Preserving the Legacy for Future Generations

During our visit, we had the opportunity to hear from a spokesperson from the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha about their vision for the site's future:

"When the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha reopened in 2020, Japan was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we had to close frequently due to state of emergency declarations. As a result, we couldn’t promote it as extensively as we had hoped.

However, now that travel has resumed, we are working to raise awareness through pamphlet distribution and corporate events. Our goal is to establish the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha as a well-known historical landmark both within and outside of Aomori Prefecture.

In addition to attracting more visitors, we are committed to preserving this Meiji-era architectural treasure for future generations."

Hirosaki is home to numerous historical buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods that continue to be restored and utilized. It is our hope that these structures will remain part of the city’s cultural heritage for many years to come.

If you visit Hirosaki, don’t miss the chance to step back in time and experience the elegance of the Meiji era at the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha.

Visitor Information

• Facility Name: Former Hirosaki Kaikosha
• Address: 8-10 Miyukicho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-8185
• Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays
• Phone: 0172-33-0588
• Official Website: Former Hirosaki Kaikosha
• Admission Fee:
  • Adults: 300 yen
  • Elementary & Junior High School Students: 100 yen (100 yen discount for groups)
  • Free for seniors (65+), disabled persons, Hirosaki citizens, and foreign students with proper ID.
• Guided Tours: Available with prior reservation.

Conclusion

This article introduced the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha, a beautifully restored Meiji-era building.

As a side note, many visitors use rental bicycles to explore Hirosaki. A popular route is to bike from Hirosaki Castle to the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha, then take the train or return to their accommodations afterward.

If you plan to visit Hirosaki, consider cycling around the city, enjoying cafes and local cuisine, and stopping by the Former Hirosaki Kaikosha for a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s architectural heritage.

We will continue sharing more insights about Hirosaki’s attractions and hidden gems, so stay tuned for future articles!