Culture
Goryokaku Fort of Hakodate
Katherine MooreA Western Style Fortress but the site of battle of a very Japanese War. Visit the observation tower to best see its snowflake like..
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park is an iconic star-shaped fort located in Hakodate. The fortress was originally constructed in 1855 to protect Hokkaido and was the site of a civil war between the shogunate’s soldiers and the imperial troops of the Meiji government. Later in the 1910s, the area was converted into a public park, and today, it is recognized as a national special historic site.
The beautifully landscaped park shines during all seasons and is a popular natural retreat for residents and tourists alike.
Overview
Address
44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido (Map) (Directions)Hours
5:00 - 19:00 Closed nowOpening Hours
Monday
5:00 - 19:00
Tuesday
5:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
5:00 - 19:00
Thursday
5:00 - 19:00
Friday
5:00 - 19:00
Saturday
5:00 - 19:00
Sunday
5:00 - 19:00
Holidays
5:00 - 19:00
Phone Number
0138-40-3605Website
Highlights
Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Tower, located just outside the park, stands 107 meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of the park and Hakodate City from its multiple observation decks. The tower also has shops, restaurants, and an exhibition on Goryokaku’s history.
Former Magistrate Office
Located in the center of the park, the Former Magistrate Office is a partial reconstruction of the original building where the shogunate’s officers ruled over Hokkaido. The office was rebuilt using traditional methods and is a stunning display of Japanese architecture.
Cherry Blossoms
After the land was designated as a park, the city planted more than one thousand cherry trees along its moats. Today, it is one of Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. The contrast of the pink blossoms against the moats’ water and surrounding foliage make for an awe-inspiring sight.
General Amenities
- Paid parking
- Coin lockers
- Non-smoking
- Information Counter
- Restroom
Access
From Hakodate Station, take the tram to Goryokaku Koen Mae Station (10 mins). Then, continue 10 minutes on foot to the park.
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