🗺️ Wakayama Castle和歌山城

Wakayama Castle was originally constructed in the 13th year of Tenshō (1585) under the direction of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (then known as Hashiba Hideyoshi), who had pacified Kishu, and was built by his younger brother, Hidenaga, on the site of Torafuse Mountain near the lower reaches of the Kinokawa River. Later, his vassal, Kusayama Shigeharu, became the acting manager of Wakayama Castle (and later the lord of the castle). After the Battle of Sekigahara, the new lord, Asano Yoshinaga, began the construction of the connected-style tenshu (main keep). With the development of the surrounding towns, the current honmaru (main bailey) was established, along with residences built in the ninomaru (second bailey) and sānōmaru (western bailey). Subsequently, in the 5th year of Genna (1619), the castle was inherited by Tokugawa Ieyasu's tenth son, Yorinobu. From the three-story white-walled main keep of Wakayama Castle, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the flowing Kinokawa River and the surrounding cityscape. Notable historical structures such as "Ichinobashi," "Otemon" (the main gate of the castle), and the remnants of the "Okaguchi Gate" from the old feudal era are all worth visiting (after the Meiji Restoration, the feudal domains of the Edo period are referred to as old domains). Among these, the "Nishinomaru Garden," famous as a national scenic spot, stands out remarkably. This garden is designed in the style of a pond-and-stroll garden, exuding a strong atmosphere of early Edo period daimyo gardens. Its characteristic feature is the effective use of the slopes of Torafuse Mountain in its landscaping. There are various theories about the garden's creator; some legends attribute it to Kobori Enshū, while others suggest it was Ueda Sōka, a senior retainer of the Asano family (indicating the highest position among vassals). *Note: A pond-and-stroll garden is centered around a pond, complemented by natural landscapes; the stroll style means that visitors must follow a fixed path while enjoying the beauty of the garden.

Originally instructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (羽柴秀吉) to be built by his younger brother Hidenaga, the castle features a three-story main keep with white walls, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape of Wakayama. There are many attractions worth visiting, including the pond-style strolling garden "Nishi no Maru Garden" (西之丸庭園).