Experiences
Goryōkaku (Fort Goryōkaku)
A rare star-shaped Western-style fort in Hakodate, completed in 1866—famous for cherry blossoms, panoramic views from Goryōkaku Tower, and winter illuminations.
Goryōkaku (Fort Goryōkaku)
Goryōkaku is one of Hakodate’s major sightseeing destinations. Built as a regional office for the central government, construction began in 1864 and it opened in 1866. This Western-style fort—completed nearly 150 years ago—is designated a Special Historic Site in Japan, as star-shaped Western-style forts are rarely seen in the country.
Next door, Goryōkaku Tower features an observatory with a panoramic view over the fort’s beautiful star-shaped grounds and surrounding moat.
Today, Goryōkaku is a nature-rich park where visitors come to relax and enjoy activities such as exploring its history, viewing cherry blossoms, strolling the grounds, and attending the winter illumination event.
Cherry Blossom Season in Goryōkaku
Cherry blossoms bloom in Hokkaido a few weeks later than on Japan’s main island. In Hakodate, Hokkaido—where Fort Goryōkaku is located—blossoms typically open from late April to early May.
Fort Goryōkaku is one of Hokkaido’s most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots. The fort is lined with 1,600 cherry trees along its moats. Visitors can enjoy walking inside the fort, taking a boat on the moats, and viewing the spectacular sight of the star-shaped fort tinted pink. The best overlook is from the adjacent observation tower, Goryōkaku Tower.
During the season, the area becomes lively with people enjoying an outdoor barbecue known as Jinghisukan (lamb and various vegetables cooked in a special pan). After sunset, the blossoms are beautifully illuminated.
General Information
- Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
- Telephone: 138-21-3456
- Opening Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Architect: Takeda Ayasaburō
- Opened: 1866
- Cherry Blossom Period: Late April to early May
Ease of Access
- 15 minutes by tram from Hakodate Station to Goryokaku Koen Mae Station, then 10 minutes on foot
History of Goryōkaku
Goryōkaku was designed in 1855 by Takeda Ayasaburō and Jules Brunet, based on the work of the French architect Vauban. The fortress was completed in 1866, two years before the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Goryōkaku is shaped like a five-pointed star, allowing for more gun emplacements than a traditional Japanese fortress and reducing blind spots where cannons could not fire. Built by the Tokugawa shogunate to protect the Tsugaru Strait against a possible invasion by the Meiji government, it is also known as the site of the final battle of the Boshin War. Fighting lasted for one week (June 20–27, 1869).
Goryōkaku Park
The site of Goryōkaku Fort, designated as a national Special Historic Site, is a park blessed with nature. Enjoy scenic walking in all four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, green trees in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter. The observation floors of adjacent Goryōkaku Tower offer sweeping views over the immense, star-shaped fort.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hours:
- April – October: 5:00 am – 7:00 pm
- November – March: 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
Goryōkaku Tower
The tower is 107 m high, and its observatory decks overlook all of Goryōkaku Park. From here you can also see Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and the Yokotsu mountain range.
- Entrance Fee: 900 yen (for elevator)
- Hours:
- April 21 – October 20: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- October 21 – April 20: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Hakodate Magistrate’s Office (Hakodate Bugyōsho)
Hakodate Bugyōsho served as the government facility for Hokkaido and a gateway to foreign countries in the mid-19th century. Part of the facility was restored and opened to the public in 2010, showcasing the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture.
- Entrance Fee: 500 yen
- Hours:
- April – October: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- November – March: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- January 2 – 3: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Winter Illumination (View from Goryōkaku Tower)
The 1.8 km perimeter of the moat is illuminated to emphasize the star shape of the Special Historic Site, Goryōkaku Fort. From adjacent Goryōkaku Tower, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the glowing star. In midwinter, when snow gathers on the frozen moat, the star shines even more brightly. You can also take an evening walk along the star-shaped perimeter.
- Lighting-up: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hours: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Rough annual schedule: December 1 to late February
Links
- Website: https://www.hakodate.travel/en/top7/goryokaku
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/goryokaku/?hl=en
