WakayamaLeisure

Shingu Castle Ruins (新宮城跡)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Visit the World Heritage site Kumano Hayatama Taisha, seeing its vermillion shrine halls and sacred camphor tree

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Visit the site tied to the Jofuku legend behind the festival's name, building anticipation for tonight's festival

About this spot

These are the ruins of the seat of the Shingu Domain (新宮藩), built in the early Edo period, and are designated a National Historic Site. Also known as 'Okimi Castle' (沖見城), the ruins are known for the well-preserved condition of their stone walls. Climbing the stone steps to the former keep site opens up an expansive view below, taking in the wide riverbed of the Kumano River (熊野川) and tonight's fireworks venue, and even the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Accessible on foot from Hayatama Taisha (速玉大社), it's an excellent spot to get your bearings on the fireworks venue's location during the day. Maintained as a castle ruins park, you can also rest on a shaded bench and take your time enjoying the scenery of Kumano.

Tips

About a 10-minute walk from Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社). Free admission. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there's a continuous slope of stone steps. The view from the former keep site is well positioned for checking the direction the fireworks will launch tonight. Sunlight is strong during summer days, so don't forget a hat and to stay hydrated.