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Wakayama castle was built in 1585 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, one of Japan's great historical figures.
After its completion it was inhabited by a succession of feudal lords and became the most important fortress in the west of Japan.
This photo shows the donjon viewed from outside the main, inner courtyard.
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The castle is built on Mt Torafusa, and like most mountains and rivers, the name translates into something.This time it means 'tiger lying on it's side', which reflects the shape of the mountain. You'll need a helicopter to check, though.
Passing through the main gate into the inner courtyard, we have another view of the donjon.
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Though Wakayama Castle never became embroiled in any of Japan's civil wars, it suffered damage from a lightning strike in 1846, which badly damaged the donjon. Even more severe damage followed in 1945 at the hands of the US air force....who were most likely aiming at the docks five miles away.
Walking through the courtyard we arrive at the entrance of the donjon.
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After the end of the war, reconstruction of the castle returned it to it's former glory.
Reconstruction was finished in 1958.
This photograph gives a view of the inner courtyard taken from the highest level of the donjon.
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This strange creature is to be found on the gable ends of rooves of many castles and major buildings of this era. It is known as a Shachihoko which is described in my dictionary as "A fabolous dolphin-like fish". So now you know.
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