Wakayama Castle
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Wakayama Castle by 663highland (GNU Free)
About
Wakayama Castle has a long "Battle" history which makes it a very interesting place to visit. Not only is the history interesting but the structures, grounds and area around the castle make Wakayama Castle a great destination for a fascinating day.
Wakayama Castle survived the Meiji Restoration's order to destroy all Feudal Castles after the Emperor to back control from the Shogunate but unfortunately was mostly destroyed in WW2. The current castle is a "semi-faithful" reconstruction. Some of the structures, mainly the walls, are the original but the main keep is reconstructed from concrete. The grounds of Wakayama Castle are beautiful and the museum has many nice artifacts.
Before the current castle was built by Toyotomi Hidenaga (Toyotomi Hideyoshi's brother), there was a previous castle called Ota Castle which was the home of the Saiga Ikki. The Saika Ikki were "Buddhist Fanatic Warriors", renowned for their arquebus expertise (similar to a musket) and "fight to the death" dedication. The Saika Ikki opposed Oda Nobunaga and therefore Oda Castle was besieged and taken by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1585. In a final attack, "honorable suicide", fifty or so warrior monks charged the entire Toyotomi army... no, not a movie... a real act of devotion. After Oda Castle was taken and destroyed, originally the spot was rebuilt as a temple for a friendly branch of Buddhism but Toyotomi decided he wanted a castle there instead (to rule over the Kii area and make sure no one would oppose him) and ordered his brother Toyotomi Hidenaga to build a castle. The castle was finished in the late 1580's and renamed to Wakayama Castle.
The castle once again came under attack by forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyori (enemies of Tokugawa Ieyasu) in 1615. At that time Asano Nagaakira was lord of Wakayama Castle with a garrison of some 5,000 men. Asano repelled the attack, known as the "Battle of Kashii", and the castle remained under Tokugawa rule. In 1619, Tokugawa's 10th son became lord of the castle and was ruled by successive Tokugawa lords until the Meiji Restoration.
Please visit our Japanese Castles page to find more castles in Japan.
Data
Name: Wakayama Castle 和歌山城 (Wakayama Jyou)
Original Year Built: 1580's
Type: Hilltop 丘城
Class: Large Castle
Condition: Reconstructed
Founder: Toyotomi Hidenaga
Timeline
1585 - Toyotomi Hidenaga was ordered by his brother Toyotomi Hideyoshi to build the castle in order to rule over the Kii area (Current day Wakayama Prefecture).
1846 - The main Tenshu (Main Keep Tower) was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.
1859 - Main Tenshu was rebuilt.
1871 - After the Meiji Restoration the castle was decommissioned and abondoned.
1940-1945 - All of the castle except the Okaguchi Gate was destroyed in WW2.
1958 - The Tenshu are some towers were rebuilt.
1983-now - Various other structures have been rebuilt.
Access
Closest Train Station: Wakayama
3 Ichibancho Wakayama
Osaka 640-8146 Japan
Tel: 073-435-1044
Train to Wakayama Station (Nankai Line or JR Hanwa Line) then a 15 min bus to Koenmae bus stop (or walk 20 - 30 min.)
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Wakayama Castle.
Hours & Fees
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Last entry at 5:00 p.m.
Closed: New Years week (Jan. 29 - Jan. 31)
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Wakayama Castle Homepage
