Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle was originally constructed in 1585 by Toyotomi Hidenaga, the brother of the great unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to command the strategic Kii Province. The castle later became the seat of one of the three prestigious Tokugawa branch families during the Edo period. Although the original keep was destroyed during World War II air raids, it was faithfully reconstructed in 1958 and today houses a museum displaying samurai armor, historical artifacts, and exhibits on the castle's history. The surrounding park features beautiful stone walls, a traditional Momijidani Garden with autumn foliage, and a small zoo. Visitors can climb to the top floor of the castle tower for sweeping views of the city, the Kii Channel, and on clear days, Awaji Island.