Wakayama Castle: Walking the Castle Town of the Kishu Tokugawa Clan and Cherry Blossom Spot

Wakayama Castle, built on Mount Torafusu in central Wakayama City, has served as the political center of Kii Province since Toyotomi Hidenaga entered the castle in 1585. During the Edo period, it became the residence of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, one of the three senior Tokugawa branch families, and is known as the birthplace of the 8th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune.

Castle Tower and Main Palace

The current castle tower was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1958, but its exterior recreates the Edo-period appearance. The top floor of the castle tower offers panoramic views of Wakayama City and the distant Kii Channel. The castle tower precinct features the main tower, small tower, and Kusunoki Gate arranged in a distinctive configuration, showcasing the beauty of a compound castle tower.

Nishi-no-Maru Garden and Momijidani Garden

Two beautiful gardens exist within the castle grounds. The Nishi-no-Maru Garden features a tranquil dry landscape, with tea available at the Koushoan tea house. The Momijidani Garden is a strolling pond garden with spectacular autumn foliage.

As a Cherry Blossom Spot

Wakayama Castle is one of the city's premier cherry blossom spots, with approximately 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming magnificently each spring. During the cherry blossom festival, evening illuminations draw crowds for nighttime cherry viewing.

Access

About 15 minutes by bus or on foot from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station.