Otensu Chaya

Located right in front of the main keep of Wakayama Castle, Otensu Chaya is a combined souvenir shop and casual dining spot. The name “Otensu” comes from the local Wakayama dialect term for the castle’s main tower.

At the shop, you’ll find exclusive Wakayama Castle merchandise such as limited-edition Gojoin (castle seals) and warrior seals of Lord Yoshimune, as well as T-shirts, keychains, magnets, clear files, and other original goods. Fans of Japanese history can also pick up unique items like folding fans and battle surcoats featuring samurai family crests, or trivia cards about Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Local specialty foods such as Yuasa soy sauce ramen and soba or udon made with Nanko plums are also available.

In the dining area, recommended dishes include Kishu Ume Udon, featuring noodles made with plum and topped with Nanko plum; Kumano beef gyudon; and soft-serve ice cream made with milk from Wakayama Kurosawa Farm (including the popular Arita Mikan Jelly Soft). Other treats include handmade yomogi dumplings with black sugar syrup and ginger ale made from locally grown Wakayama ginger.