Wakayama Castle
Located in central Wakayama City, Kansai region, Wakayama Castle is one of Japan’s three interconnected-style castles along with Himeji Castle in Hyogo and Matsuyama Castle in Ehime. With historical castle and traditional Japanese gardens, it has become one of the best places in Wakayama to admire cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in fall.An Old Castle with Dramatic History
Wakayama Castle was originally built in 1585 under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi - a warlord and unifier of Japan, and later took over by the Kishu Tokugawa family - one of the three Tokugawa families, after the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603 - 1867). It was renovated and expanded in 1621 but was burnt and destroyed several times in the following hundreds of years.The current Wakayama Castle was reconstructed in 1958. Although it had a troubled history in the past, the main buildings were rebuilt nearly the same as the initial ones.
Best Things to Do at Wakayama Castle
1. Overlook Wakayama City on the Main Keep
Tenshu, or the castle towers of Wakayama Castle, consist of a Main Keep, a small tower and two watch towers, which are in the so-called “interconnected-style”. The Tenshu towers were constructed with stone fortification, white walls as well as grey tiles on the roofs. Located on the top of Mount Torafusu, the main tower is three-story with a relatively large scale among all the castles of Japan.It is one of the best places to overlook the whole city of Wakayama and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Inside the Main Keep there is an archive with many historical collections about the Kishu Tokugawa family, in which you may learn more about its history.
2. Stroll in the Nishinomaru-Teien Garden
The Nishinomaru-Teien Garden around the Main Keep is a traditional Japanese garden built in the early Edo period (1603-1868). The garden was officially designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1985. It also gets the name of “Momijidani-Teien Garden” which means “the Garden of Maple Leaves” because of its beautiful red leaves in fall. Best time to admire the maple leaves is from October to November.3. Walk through the Skew Bridge - Ohashiroka
Ohashiroka Bridge is a skew bridge rebuilt in 2006, over the moat around the castle and connecting Nishinomaru and Ninomaru. The bridge has roofs and walls so that no one can see what’s happening inside. In the past, only the feudal lord and his attendants could cross the bridge, but now visitors have free access to it.4. Admire Cherry Blossoms in Spring
A large number of flowers are planted in the gardens around Wakayama Castle, including daffodils, azaleas and peonies. The cherry blossoms are especially attractive. When the 600 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, white walls and cyan roofs of the castle look even more charming among pink flowers. Best time to enjoy the blossoms is from April to May.5. Explore Wakayama History Center
The Wakayama History Center is a two-story building with Wakayama City Souvenir Center on the first floor and History Exhibition Room on the second floor. From the exhibition room, you may learn more about the history and culture of Wakayama Castle as well as stories of the Kishu Tokugawa family. A film about the construction of the castle will show you the former grand look of it.6. See Some Animals in Wakayama Castle Park Zoo
A zoo with 2 separate parts - the “Waterfowl Garden” and “Fairyland”, is within castle grounds. The zoo has a history of over 100 years and is open to the public for free. About 49 species of animals can be seen in the zoo. You may even see 2 lovely Kishu dogs here.7. Drink Some Tea at the Koshoan Teahouse
Actually, the Nishinomaru-Teien Garden was initially built as a tea garden for the feudal lord. To commemorate the restoration of the castle building, Koshoan Teahouse was built in the garden in 1973. It’s a traditional Japanese style wooden building with tatami mats in it. You may drink a cup of tea or matcha while enjoying the view outside.Opening Hours & Ticket Fare
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Opening Hours |
Closed |
Ticket Fare |
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Main Keep / Castle Tower |
9:00-17:30, last entrance at 17:00 |
Dec. 29th-31st |
410 JPY |
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Nishinomaru-Teien Garden |
9:00-17:00, last entrance at 16:45 |
Dec. 29th-31st |
Free |
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Wakayama History Center |
2F History Exhibition Room: 9:00-17:30, last entrance at 17:00 1F Souvenir Center: Mar.-Nov.: 9:00-18:00 Dec.-Feb.: 9:00-17:00 |
History Exhibition Room:
Dec. 29th-31st Souvenir Center: Dec. 29th-Jan. 3rd |
History Exhibition Room: 100 JPY |
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Wakayama Castle Park Zoo |
9:00-17:00 |
Tuesdays |
Free |
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Koshoan Teahouse |
9:00-16:30, last entrance at 16:00 |
Dec. 29th-Jan. 3rd |
470 JPY/serving |
How to Get to Wakayama Castle
Step 1: Take a train to JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.Step 2: From JR Wakayama Station: Take a Wakayama Bus 121, 23, 24 or 25 to Kencho-mae bus stop and walk east for about 5 minutes to get to the castle. The cost is 230 JPY.
From Nankai Wakayama-shi Station: Take a Wakayama Bus 4 or 5 to Kencho-mae bus stop and walk east for about 5 minutes to get to the castle. The cost is 230 JPY.