Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle is a historic fortress located in the city of Wakayama in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It was originally constructed in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful daimyo (feudal lord) and military leader who played a key role in the unification of Japan during the late Sengoku period. The castle is also known as "Kishu Castle" because Wakayama Prefecture was once known as Kishu Province. It is situated on a hill overlooking the Kii Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean, providing a strategic location for military defense.

The castle's construction began in 1585 and was completed in 1586. The original design of the castle consisted of a five-story keep and several smaller towers and gates. In 1798, Tokugawa Harutomi, the 10th Lord of Kishu, ordered the castle's black panelling to be changed to the white that is seen today. In 1846, the castle was struck by lightning and destroyed by the resulting fire. Because the castle belonged to one of the top three Tokugawa familes, in 1850 special permission was granted to restore the castle. In 1935 Wakayama Castle was designed as a national treasure. On July 9th 1945 it was burned to the ground during an air bombing. After the war the citizens of Wakayama petitioned to have the caste rebuilt and in 1958 it was reconstructed in reinforced concrete.

The Otemon gate and bridge are located on the southern side of the castle, facing towards the city of Wakayama. The gate was originally constructed in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent feudal lord in Japan during the late 16th century. However, the gate was destroyed during a battle in 1615, and was later rebuilt in 1636 by the feudal lord Okabe Masatsuna. The current gate and bridge were reconstructed in 1958, using traditional materials and techniques.

The Otemon gate and bridge are considered to be one of the most impressive features of Wakayama Castle. The gate itself is a large wooden structure, featuring a steeply pitched roof and intricate wooden carvings. The bridge leading up to the gate is also made of wood, and is supported by several stone pillars. Visitors to the castle are required to pass through the Otemon gate in order to enter the castle grounds, making it a significant part of the overall visitor experience.

The Okaguchimon Gate was originally built in the early 17th century, and it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the years. The most recent reconstruction took place in the early 20th century, and the gate was restored to its original form using traditional construction techniques and materials.

One of the unique features of the Okaguchimon Gate is its design. The gate is made up of several levels, each of which serves a different purpose. The lower level is made of stone and is designed to withstand attacks from enemies. The upper level is made of wood and is more decorative in nature. The upper level is also where the gatekeepers would have been stationed to guard the entrance to the castle.

Wakayama Castle played an important role in the history of Japan. During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which marked the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle was occupied by Ishida Mitsunari, a loyalist to Hideyoshi's son. However, the castle was eventually captured by Tokugawa Ieyasu's forces, paving the way for the establishment of the shogunate.

During the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, the castle was decommissioned and its surrounding moats and walls were destroyed. However, the castle's keep and a few other structures were preserved as historic sites.

Today, Wakayama Castle is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural beauty and learn about its rich history. The castle is surrounded by a park that features cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall, making it a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and momijigari (autumn leaf viewing).

In addition to its historical significance, Wakayama Castle is also known for its unique architectural style. The castle's keep features a distinctive red tile roof that is often referred to as "irregular tiling" or "diamond tiling." This style was common during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, which was characterized by the construction of grand castles and palaces.

Visitors to Wakayama Castle can climb to the top of the keep and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The interior of the keep features exhibits on the history of the castle and the surrounding area, as well as displays of traditional Japanese armor and weapons.