Long famed for its sunsets, on clear days it is possible to look out from the Bandoko-teien and see Awaji Island (淡路島), and even Shikoku (四国), across the Kii Channel (紀伊水道).

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Bandoko-teien was landscaped on the ruins of the old fortifications, on an area immortalised in a poem of 724 that describes fishermen on Sahikanoura Bay luring fish to their nets with flaming torches.

The promontory overlooks Ōshima (大島) and Futagojima (双子島) islands.

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Wakayama Castle was the administrative base of the Kishū clan (1 of the 3 'noble' branches of the Tokugawa family).

Toyotomi Hidenaga (豊臣秀長 1540-91) established the current castle, replacing Ōta Castle and building upon old fortifications of the Hatakeyama clan (畠山氏).

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The fortified promontory was a lookout for the Kishū clan, who vigilantly guarded their coastline against foreign intruders.
It was 1 of 10 strategic points along the cliffs, but was considered most important as it stood closest to their base at Wakayama Castle (和歌山城).

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It was a blustery day at 'Bandoko-teien' (番所庭園), a beautifully manicured garden landscaped atop a stretch of cliff.

The promontory, which juts out into Wakayama Bay, has long been known as the 'nose of the Bansho' (番所の鼻)...'bansho' or 'bandoko' (番所) means 'guardhouse'👀

#Bandokoteien #番所庭園 #Japan #Wayakama #和歌山 #和歌山県 #野点 #teaonthego #teaceremony