Kishu Tokugawa Clan Castle Town Culture: Wakayama's Elegant Edo-Period Heritage

Wakayama flourished greatly during the Edo period as the castle town of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, one of the three senior Tokugawa branch families. This city that produced the 8th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune still retains many aspects of Edo-period culture including samurai culture, crafts, and food culture.

Tokugawa Yoshimune and His Connection to Kishu

Tokugawa Yoshimune (1684-1751) was born and raised at Wakayama Castle and became the 8th Shogun in 1716. He is known as a wise ruler who carried out the "Kyoho Reforms" to restore the shogunate's finances. Many historical sites connected to Yoshimune exist throughout Wakayama City, making a "Yoshimune heritage tour" enjoyable.

Kishu Lacquerware (Negoro-nuri): The Beauty of Vermilion and Black

The traditional craft representing Kishu is "Negoro-nuri." This lacquerware was begun by monks at Negoroji Temple in the medieval period, with vermilion lacquer applied over black lacquer; through use, the vermilion shows through to create a unique "art of lacquering."

Kishu Binchotan Charcoal: Highest Quality Charcoal

A specialty product that Wakayama Prefecture boasts to the world is "Kishu Binchotan Charcoal." This hard, long-burning white charcoal made from ubame oak is prized in high-end restaurants, yakitori shops, and food establishments nationwide. Craftspeople near Tanabe City still produce it in traditional charcoal kilns.

Access

JR Wakayama Station and Nankai Wakayama-shi Station are the main gateways. Castle town historical sites are concentrated around Wakayama Station.