The History of Wakayama Castle
Construction Under Toyotomi Hideyoshi
The origins of Wakayama Castle date back to 1585, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi conducted his campaign to bring the Kishu region under his control. After the campaign, Hideyoshi entrusted the provinces of Kii and Izumi to his younger half-brother, Toyotomi Hidenaga, and ordered him to build a new castle in this strategically important location.
Todo Takatora, a renowned castle architect and military commander, was involved in overseeing the construction. The castle is believed to have been completed in approximately one year, demonstrating the importance placed on establishing a stronghold in the region.
At the time, the surrounding area was known as Wakayama or Wakayama (若山) in a different written form. The construction of the castle helped establish the name that eventually became associated with the city and region.
The earliest stone walls were built using a technique known as nozura-zukuri, in which naturally shaped stones were stacked with relatively little processing. Some of these historic stone walls can still be seen within the castle grounds, providing visitors with a glimpse into castle-building techniques from the late 16th century.
Renovation by the Asano Clan
Following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Asano Yoshinaga became the lord of Kishu and entered Wakayama Castle. Under the Asano clan, the castle underwent extensive renovations, while the surrounding castle town was also developed and expanded.
During this period, more sophisticated stone-wall techniques were introduced. In particular, uchikomi-hagi, which uses roughly shaped stones fitted more closely together, was employed to create stronger and more refined defensive walls.
The castle tower and other structures were also improved, gradually transforming Wakayama Castle into a major early-modern Japanese castle.
The Stronghold of the Kishu-Tokugawa Family
In 1619, Tokugawa Yorinobu, the tenth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, entered Wakayama Castle with a domain valued at 555,000 koku of rice. This marked the establishment of the Kishu-Tokugawa family.
The Kishu-Tokugawa family was one of the Three Great Branches of the Tokugawa Family, alongside the Owari and Mito branches. Members of these three families were considered eligible to become shogun if the main Tokugawa line failed to produce a suitable heir.
Yorinobu carried out major renovations to the castle and expanded the surrounding castle town. The scale of these projects was reportedly so impressive that the shogunate became concerned about the possibility of the Kishu domain becoming too powerful.
Plans were also made to enlarge the outer moat, but these plans were eventually halted due to the shogunate’s concerns. The place name Horidome, meaning “moat termination,” is said to preserve a memory of these unfinished plans.
During the Edo period, Wakayama Castle developed into an important center of politics, economics, and culture. The wealthy Kishu domain supported elegant residences, gardens, and other facilities associated with the refined lifestyle of the feudal aristocracy.
Destruction by Lightning and Reconstruction
In 1846, Wakayama Castle suffered a devastating fire caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. The main buildings of the castle, including the large and small castle towers, were destroyed.
At the time, the Tokugawa shogunate strictly regulated the construction and rebuilding of castle towers. However, because the Kishu-Tokugawa family held one of the highest-ranking positions among the Tokugawa branches, permission was granted for the castle to be rebuilt.
In 1850, a magnificent connected castle tower complex was completed. This reconstruction created the distinctive appearance that later became closely associated with Wakayama Castle.
War Damage and Postwar Reconstruction
Following the Meiji Restoration, many Japanese castles were dismantled as the feudal system came to an end. Wakayama Castle, however, retained its castle tower and several other structures for a time.
Tragically, the castle suffered extensive destruction during the Wakayama Air Raid of 1945. The castle tower complex and many other historic buildings, including structures designated as National Treasures, were destroyed by fire.
After the war, local residents strongly supported efforts to restore the castle. In 1958, the present castle tower complex was reconstructed based on historical drawings, old photographs, and other surviving records.
Although the current castle tower is constructed of reinforced concrete rather than traditional timber, its exterior faithfully recreates the appearance of the former castle. Today, it stands as a symbol of Wakayama City and an important reminder of the region’s history.
Architecture and Highlights of Wakayama Castle
The Connected Castle Tower Complex
One of the most distinctive features of Wakayama Castle is its impressive connected castle tower complex. The main tower, smaller tower, and defensive turrets are connected by covered passageways, creating a complex and imposing silhouette.
Wakayama Castle is often included among Japan’s three great connected-style hirayama castles, together with Himeji Castle and Matsuyama Castle. Its sophisticated arrangement of towers and passageways gives the castle a powerful appearance while reflecting the defensive needs of a major feudal stronghold.
The interior of the castle tower functions as a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Wakayama Castle and the Kishu-Tokugawa family. From the top floor, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Wakayama City and the Kinokawa River. On clear days, the elevated viewpoint offers particularly beautiful scenery.
The Main Enclosure and Second Enclosure
The Honmaru, or main enclosure, was located near the summit of Mount Torafusu and formed the heart of the castle’s defensive system. However, living on the mountaintop was not particularly convenient, so many feudal lords used the residence in the Ninomaru, or second enclosure, as their primary living quarters.
The Ninomaru Palace was an elegant complex modeled partly on the palace facilities of Edo Castle. It was divided into areas known as the Omote, Nakaoku, and Ooku, corresponding broadly to official, private, and women’s quarters.
Only a limited number of Japanese castles had facilities comparable to an Ooku, making this an important indication of the high status of Wakayama Castle and its feudal lords.
Ohashi Roka Covered Bridge
The Ohashi Roka is a covered wooden passageway connecting the Ninomaru and Nishinomaru areas. It was originally built so that the feudal lord could move between the two areas without being seen by people outside.
The reconstructed passageway has a distinctive slope and can be entered by visitors. Walking across it provides a unique opportunity to experience a small part of the daily life and movement within a feudal Japanese castle.
Nishinomaru Garden: Momijidani Garden
Momijidani Garden, located in the Nishinomaru area, is a traditional feudal garden dating back to the early Edo period. Designed as a strolling pond garden, it features a pond, carefully arranged stones, waterfalls, and other elements of traditional Japanese landscape design.
The garden is especially beautiful in autumn, when the surrounding maple trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The garden also features the reconstructed Engyokaku Pavilion and Koshokan, a traditional tea room donated by Konosuke Matsushita. These spaces provide a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can appreciate the refined aesthetic of Japanese gardens.
Stone Walls from Different Periods
Wakayama Castle offers a rare opportunity to observe stone walls constructed using techniques from several different historical periods.
Stone walls from the Toyotomi period feature nozura-zukuri, using naturally shaped stones. Stone walls associated with the Asano period include uchikomi-hagi, in which stones were partially shaped and fitted together. Later Tokugawa-period walls feature the more precise kirikomi-hagi technique, using carefully cut stones.
The coexistence of these different construction techniques makes the stone walls one of the castle’s most fascinating historical features.
Numerous stone marks can also be found on the walls. Approximately 170 different types of marks have been identified. These symbols are thought to have been used by stoneworkers to indicate responsibilities, teams, or other information. For visitors interested in Japanese history, they offer an intriguing glimpse into the people who built the castle.
Surviving Historic Structures
Okaguchimon Gate
Okaguchimon Gate is one of the few surviving Edo-period gates at Wakayama Castle and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The gate was rebuilt in 1621 during major renovations carried out under Tokugawa Yorinobu. Its substantial wooden construction preserves the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese castle and provides an important connection with the castle’s Edo-period past.
It was originally used as the main entrance to the castle, but was later used as a rear or secondary gate. Today, it remains one of the castle’s most valuable surviving historic structures.
Omawarimon Gate
Omawarimon Gate once provided access to an area where samurai practiced horseback riding and other forms of equestrian training. Its name is associated with the practice of riding horses around the training grounds.
Restoration research has revealed that the gate was once painted vermilion. For this reason, it is also associated with the image of a “Red Gate.” Its distinctive appearance makes it a popular location for photography.
Discover Wakayama Castle Park
Beautiful Scenery Throughout the Seasons
Wakayama Castle Park is not only a historic site but also a relaxing green space in the heart of the city. Each season brings a different atmosphere to the castle grounds.
In spring, approximately 600 cherry trees bloom around the castle, making it one of the notable cherry blossom viewing locations in Wakayama Prefecture. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the white castle tower creates a memorable Japanese landscape.
Summer brings fresh green foliage, while autumn transforms the park with colorful leaves. In winter, the crisp air provides excellent visibility and allows visitors to appreciate the castle’s architecture against a clear seasonal sky.
Because its scenery changes throughout the year, Wakayama Castle is a destination worth visiting more than once.
Wakayama Castle Park Zoo
A small zoo is also located within the castle park and can be enjoyed free of charge. Animals such as penguins, flamingos, and monkeys can be seen here, making the area especially popular with families traveling with children.
This combination of history, nature, and family-friendly attractions is one of the features that makes Wakayama Castle different from many other historic castles in Japan.
Wakayama Castle in Japanese Culture and Period Dramas
Wakayama Castle has also appeared as a filming location for numerous Japanese historical television dramas and period films. Productions such as Mito Komon, Abarenbo Shogun, and Tokugawa Fuunroku have used the castle and its surroundings to recreate scenes from Japan’s feudal past.
Because the castle was the stronghold of the Kishu-Tokugawa family, it has a particularly strong connection with stories about the Tokugawa family and Tokugawa Yoshimune, who later became the eighth shogun of Japan.
The castle is also associated with the famous Japanese children’s song “Mari to Tonosama”. A melody based on the song is played as a chime within the castle grounds, and a monument commemorating the song can be found near the castle tower.
Access and Visitor Information
How to Get to Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle is conveniently located in central Wakayama City. From Nankai Wakayamashi Station, it takes approximately 10 minutes to walk to the castle.
Visitors arriving at JR Wakayama Station can take a Wakayama Bus and get off at the Wakayama-jo-mae bus stop, located close to the castle grounds.
Several cultural attractions are located nearby, including the Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, the Wakayama Prefectural Museum, and Wakayama Castle Hall. Visiting these attractions together makes it easy to enjoy a full day of cultural sightseeing in central Wakayama.
Accessibility
Efforts have been made to make Wakayama Castle easier to visit for older travelers and people with mobility difficulties. Assistance is available for visitors using electric wheelchairs, including guidance to the entrance of the castle tower.
Visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to check the latest conditions and available services before visiting, as some historic areas may naturally have slopes, steps, or uneven surfaces.
Why Visit Wakayama Castle?
Wakayama Castle is a remarkable historic landmark shaped by the Toyotomi, Asano, and Tokugawa eras. Its elegant connected castle tower, impressive stone walls, traditional Japanese garden, surviving historic gates, and beautiful seasonal scenery create a rich sightseeing experience.
The castle also has a particularly moving modern history. After many historic structures were destroyed during the 1945 air raid, the castle was rebuilt through the determination and support of local residents. The reconstructed castle therefore represents not only Wakayama’s feudal past but also the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
Wakayama Castle is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, garden lovers, families, and travelers interested in traditional Japan. Its combination of historic architecture, cultural stories, panoramic views, and peaceful green spaces makes it one of the essential places to visit in Wakayama.
When exploring Wakayama, take time to walk through the castle grounds, examine the different stone-wall techniques, cross the historic-style covered bridge, relax in Momijidani Garden, and enjoy the view from the castle tower. Experiencing these sights together offers a fascinating introduction to the history and culture of Wakayama.