Goryokaku was designated as a political center and completed in 1864. It is the first western-style fortress in Japan. And Goryokaku is named for its star-shaped looks. From Goryokaku Tower, you can observe the panorama Goryokaku star-shaped fort and the Park.
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Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Tower is 107 meters above the ground historical landmark. It provides a 360-degree eagle-eye to view Hakodate city. Therefore, it is a great observatory to view the city up close including Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru straits, and the Yokotsu mountain range. Especially the star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Besides, there is a visual timeline of the history of the Goryokaku fort. Meanwhile, the Goryokaku historic corridor has exhibitions for understanding the history of Goryokaku.
Goryokaku Park
Goryukakku played an important role as a political center until the new Meiji government took over in 1867. However, most of the related facilities were dismantled such as The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office during the Battle of Hakodate. It was under the jurisdiction of the Meiji government. Afterward, Goryokaku Park was opened as a public park in 1890 and became a heritage site in 1918.
The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office (Bugyosho, 箱館奉行所)
Japanese government rebuilt The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office in the center of the star-shaped fortress. It used to be the government office run by samurai. Nowadays, you can walk through the building and be allowed to go inside. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the magnificent Japanese-style architecture.
About Goryokaku Tower and Park
The views from Goryokaku Tower or at the Goryokaku Park are different from season to season. Please check the Hokkaido weather and temperature before you visit. [Click Here]
Spring: Cherry Bloom Season
The cherry bloom season is from late April to early May. The 1600 blooming cherry trees make a fantastic pink view when you walk in Goryokaku Park.
You can bring a picnic blanket to picnic at the Goryokaku Park like locals. After seeing the panorama view at Goryokaku Tower, buy some food or bento Japanese-style lunch box) from nearby shops. Then walk into the Goryokaku park and a spot you like, set up the perfect pink cherry bloom picnic with families.
NOTICE: Goryokaku Tower does not allow you to bring food inside. Do not bring food with you when you go to Goryokaku Tower.
Also, there are beautiful cherry blossom spots other than Goryokaku in Hakodate. [Click Here]
Moreover, there is a Samurai Parade in the Goryokaku area in May. [Click Here]
Summer: Green Star
There is a blue and cloud canopy above the sky. At the Goryokaku Park, the trees drop their greens with birdsongs. It’s a petite forest in the city that makes people’s getaway. During a period in the Summer, an open-air theater is held in the afternoon. (Read More)
Autumn: Fall Foliage
Goryokaku offers up amazing Fall colors in the Autumn. The beautiful Autumn leaves dye the star-shaped fortress into red and golden. In Hakodate city, Goryokaku, Hakodate Park [Click Here], and Miharashi Park [Click Here] are famous for seeing maple leaves.
Winter: The Star Illumination
From Goryokaku Tower, the panorama of the whole Goryokaku Park is not only gorgeous in the cherry blossom season but the snow season. Goryokaku Park is covered with snow, making a different magnificent view from the Spring. (Read More)
Information
The first floor has the Tower ticket desk, cafe and gift shop. Also, you can find a place to set down. Due to the date and time may different every year, please check before you go.
Goryokaku Tower
Opening Hour:
7 days a week
21 April – 20 October 8:00-19:00
21 October – 20 April 9:00-18:00
Fee:
¥900/adult
¥680/junior high school and senior high school students
¥450/primary school student
Contact: 0138-51-4785
Address: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
How To Get Here
From Hakodate-Ekimae tram get on either a Route 2 or Route 5 tram going toward Yunokawa or Yunokawa-onsen. And, get off at “Goryokaku Koen Mae” and walk for about 10 minutes.
