Wakayama Castle

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Wakayama Castle

The view of Wakayama city is beautiful from the white three-tiered castle tower.

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Head Editor : Wakayama City

The origin of the castle started in 1585, Hashiba Hideyoshi (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi) subjugated Kishu teritory (the area now known as Wakayama) and he ordered his younger brother, Hidenaga, to build a castle on Mt.Torafusu which is at a downstream of Kinokawa-river. Later, a vassal of the Hashiba family, Kuwayama Shigeharu was placed in charge of the castle (and later, the castle lord). After the Battle of Sekigahara, Asano Yoshinaga became lord of the castle and he started building a tower followed by an interconnected corridor. He built residences in the area now known as Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Nishinomaru while building a castle town. In 1619, Yorinobu, the 10th son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, inherited the castle.

Viewing from the white three-tiered castle tower, you can see running water of Kinokawa-river known as Class A river in Japan and a city built around there, right in front of you.
Other highlights include Ichinohashi Bridge and Otemon Gate, as well as Okaguchimon, which has remained intact since the feudal era. Among them, the Nishinomaru-Teien Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot, stands out for its exceptional beauty.This garden is Chisen Kaiyu style, a style of garden that features a path around a pond and vividly retains the atmosphere of a garden of feudal lords in the early Edo period, and it’s characteristic is that the slope of Mt.Torafusa was used effectively. A garden is said to be designed by Ensyu Kobori or a chief retailer of Asano family, Souko Ueda, and there are some suggestions too.

Highlights

  • The origin is that Hideyoshi Hashiba ordered the construction of the castle to his younger brother, Hidenaga.
  • The castle tower is a white three-tiered structure, where the whole Wakayama city can be viewed.
  • Many highlights include the garden for lords in Chisen Kaiyu style.

Photos

  • The castle tower is a white three-tiered structure.

    The castle tower is a white three-tiered structure.

  • Illuminated castle at night is also beautiful.

    Illuminated castle at night is also beautiful.

  • Okaguchimon has remained since the Edo period.

    Okaguchimon has remained since the Edo period.

  • The castle is surrounded by a green park.

    The castle is surrounded by a green park.

  • Wakayama historical center

    Wakayama historical center

  • A replica of Yosuien, the tea ceremony room, is exhibited (Wakayama historical center).

    A replica of Yosuien, the tea ceremony room, is exhibited (Wakayama historical center).

Reviews

5

Some reviews are translated by AI.

  • Wakayama Castle is a great spot to enjoy different flowers throughout the year. The cherry blossoms in spring are gorgeous. It's definitely one of the best places for flower lovers! 👍

  • When planning a trip to Wakayama, Wakayama Castle is definitely one of the must-see landmarks. There are also plenty of other great spots in Wakayama City, like the historic Saikazaki Fishing Port and amusement parks. It's a place worth visiting again! 👍

  • The original castle tower was destroyed by American bombing during World War II, so the current one is a reconstruction. There's also a free zoo at the base of the mountain in Wakayama Castle Park.

  • The views are gorgeous, and the night scenery is beautiful too. The grounds aren't huge, but the staff are super friendly.

  • Standing at the top of the castle and looking down at the streets below, I felt like I ruled the world!

Details

Name in Japanese
和歌山城
Postal Code
640-8146
Address
3 Ichibancho, Wakayama City, Wakayama
Tel
073-422-8979
Holidays
December 29-31
Hours
9:00am - 5:30pm (Admission allowed until 5:00pm)
Admission
Adult 410yen Elementary and junior high students 200yen
Access
1) A 15 minute walk from Wakayama station on each JR line
2) A 10 minute walk from Wakayamashi station on each Nankai line.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)