Visit Wakayama

Wakayama Castle stands atop Mt. Torafusu in the heart of Wakayama City. 

The view from the main keep is spectacular, with a 360-degree panorama taking in the cityscape and the mountains beyond. 

Inside the grounds, there’s far more than scenery to enjoy: you might run into a hospitality ninja, or sip fragrant matcha in a beautiful garden. 

There’s even a zoo, free to enter!

Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good sightseeing spot, Wakayama Castle has plenty to fill a memorable visit.

Wakayama Castle was built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hidenaga, on the orders of his brother Hideyoshi, the warlord who unified Japan. 

During the Edo period, it served as the seat of the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three prestigious Tokugawa branch houses, and produced two shoguns: the 8th, Yoshimune, and the 14th, Iemochi. 

The castle standing today isn’t the original structure. It has burned down twice, once after a lightning strike and again during World War II, and the current main keep, the third to occupy the site, was rebuilt in 1958 through the efforts of the local community.

From breathtaking views to a zoo, here are six spots that make Wakayama Castle one of a kind.

Travel Time from Major Areas

From Osaka: About 1 hour by train

From Kansai International Airport: About 40 minutes by train, or about 30 minutes by car

By Public Transportation

Take a Wakayama Bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayamashi Station, and get off at the Koen-mae bus stop, right by the entrance.

Main Keep Admission

Adults: ¥410

Elementary and junior high school students: ¥200

Main Keep Hours

9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (last entry 5:00 p.m.)

Suggested Visit Length

About 1.5 to 3 hours"

After exploring the castle, treat yourself to some local flavor! 

Wakayama City, right at the castle’s doorstep, is packed with restaurants serving up dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

With a chicken or pork bone broth, Wakayama ramen comes with two types of soup: either a light, clear version called “shakomae-kei” or a rich, milky version called “ide-kei”. Back in the days when a tram system ran across Wakayama City, the tram lines were flanked by legions of ramen yatai (stalls). Such ramen stands, operating shakomae (“outside the tramcar garage”), were the originators of Wakayama ramen, thus it came to be called shakomae-kei ramen. Some have claimed that the ramen stall-lined streets of Wakayama were the birthplace of food stall centers in Japan. Since the demise of the tram network, restaurants were established throughout the city, serving every type of Wakayama ramen. Enjoy some Hayazushi, or pressed sushi with vinegared fish such as mackerel or a boiled egg with your ramen, then pay according to the honor system in most places.

Facing the sea, Wakayama Prefecture is dotted with fishing ports throughout the prefecture, offering fresh and delicious fish throughout the year.

The fresh tuna from Nachikatsuura, which boasts the largest catch in Japan, is delivered alive without being frozen, making it extremely fresh! It is characterized by its springy texture and rich flavor. Enjoy sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, seafood hot pot courses, and other dishes of your choice.

If you visit in winter, you cannot miss the Kue hot pot. The largest kue grows to more than 1 meter in length and is also called the "fantastic fish". Its fatty white flesh is elegant and deep, and its gelatinous skin and fish giblets have a unique texture. Sashimi, aburi, and fillet sake are also must-try dishes!

In addition, enjoy the luxury of seafood such as swordfish, lobster, whitebait, bonito, and sea bream with a varied menu.

Kumano beef, one of Wakayama’s finest brands of wagyu, and Kishu Wakaushi, with its tender, richly flavored lean meat, are also not to be missed.

The area around Wakayama Castle is packed with things to see, from spots within walking distance to scenic destinations and memorable experiences a little farther out. Combining these with a visit to the castle makes for an even more rewarding trip to Wakayama.

If it’s your first visit, stop by the Wakayama City Tourist Information Center (Wakayama Castle) inside the grounds. Beyond handing out pamphlets, the staff can help you plan a route and point you toward souvenirs. To plan ahead, download the official Wakayama Castle guide map before you go. It’s a great way to keep the map on hand on your phone at all times.

Wakayama Castle, the city’s iconic landmark, packs history, nature, a zoo, and great food into one unmissable destination. 

Once you’ve explored the castle, branch out to nearby restaurants and attractions, or extend your trip to nearby hot springs and sacred sites for an even richer experience. Plan your own custom route around Wakayama, and set off on a trip to remember.