Japan Guide
Northern Honshū
Chōshō-ji
The most interesting of the temples in Hirosaki's "temple town", Chōshō-ji stands at the end of a tree-lined road through a large, two-storey gate, dating from 1629, which barely contains the two guardian gods peering out of the gloom. Inside, go to the wooden sliding doors of the building to the right, ring the bell on the post inside, and someone will show you into the main sanctuary and the mortuary rooms behind.
Chōshō-ji was the family temple and burial place of the Tsugaru clan; in 1954, excavations revealed the mummified body of Prince Tsugutomi, son of the eleventh lord, who had died about a century before – his death was variously blamed on assassination, poisoning or eating peaches with imported sugar. During the cherry-blossom festival (see above) the mummy is on display, but usually you'll have to make do with a photo in the mortuary room behind the main altar, where it's rather overshadowed by a life-like statue of Tsugaru Tamenobu, the founder of the clan. As you leave the building, take a closer look at the glass cabinets near the kitchen. These contain some of Prince Tsugutomi's prized possessions, including his telescope, watch and portraits of his favourite actresses. Opening time: Daily: April– Oct 8.30am–4.30pm; Jan– March, Nov & Dec by appointment only Price: ¥500