Wakayama Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Wakayama Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Kii Province. It is associated with the Tokugawa clan. Dates in use: 1585 - 1871.

An older castle existed at this site by the name of Ōta castle. When Hideyoshi's armies swept through the Kii peninsular on their mission to unify Japan, the samurai, monks & peasants seeking refuge within the castle found the water levels surrounding the castle on the rise. The reason for this was Hideyoshi had three dams built to flood the castle. Isolated & with no provisions, an heroic but unsuccessful final charge was made by the defenders.

The main tower, turrets & connecting walls enclose the tiny peak of Torafusa. In times past Wakayama Castle was considered one of the top three hilltop castles but WWII brought with it the destruction of the main buildings. Today just two old gates complement this concrete reconstruction.

Timeline

1585	Toyotomi Hidenaga was ordered to build the castle.
1586	Kuwayama Shigeharu was stationed here by Hidenaga.
1600	The Asano clan were stationed here. Some repair work was undertaken on the stone walls.
1619	Tokugawa Yorinobu oversaw renovation & repairs to the castle.
1846	The main tower was destroyed by a lightning strike.
1850	The main tower was rebuilt after special permission was granted by the Shogunate.
1871	The castle was abandoned.
1909	The Ote Gate collapsed.
1945	The Okaguchi Gate was the only structure to remain undamaged by WWII bombing.
1958	The main tower & turrets of the main enclosure were reconstructed.
1983	The Ote Gate was rebuilt.
2007	The covered walkway connecting the Nino & Nishino enclosures was rebuilt.

Historical recognition

Site	National Historic Site
Okaguchi Gate	Important Cultural Property
Oimawashi Gate	City designated Important Cultural Property