Goryokaku Tower stands 107 meters tall beside Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido. From its observation decks you look down on the five-pointed fort, its moat, the city, Mt. Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. The tower also has history exhibits, a souvenir shop and a ground-floor cafe. Come early in the day for shorter queues, and visit in cherry blossom season or the winter illuminations to see the fort's shape at its most striking.
The fort and its history
Goryokaku was built in the 1860s as a Western-style fort with five points. The design allowed more gun positions and reduced blind spots along the walls. The Tokugawa shogunate ordered architect Takeda Ayasaburo to design it when Hakodate opened its port to foreign trade at the end of the Edo period, and foreign merchants came to the city in large numbers.
The fort later became the main stronghold of the Republic of Ezo and the last stand of the Tokugawa shogunate. The tower's exhibits explain this period, and the park grounds are the setting for it.
Inside the tower
The observation decks are the reason most visitors come. The upper floors hold history exhibits in Japanese, English and Mandarin. A see-through glass floor lets you look straight down at the fort.
On the ground floor there is a souvenir shop with Goryokaku original goods and a cafe, where melon soft serve is the item to try. Near the elevator you will also find a digital tarot reading machine. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the site lists the tower as suitable for children.
The Magistrate's Office
Inside the park stands the Hakodate Magistrate's Office. The shogunate set it up as the institution for diplomatic policy in Hakodate, and it was completed in 1864 in the heart of the fort. The office was dismantled in the early 1870s, and it was partly rebuilt in 2010 with original construction techniques and regional materials.
The building charges a separate entry fee. Outside, visitors can have their photos taken in traditional costume, which suits a visit to a place tied to the end of the shogunate. Allow time for it when you plan the afternoon.
Seasons and lights
Cherry blossoms in the park usually open from late April into May. The park has about 1,600 cherry trees, and at full bloom they turn the grounds pink. Azaleas and wisteria follow in late May, though by the end of May the blossoms can be thinning.
From early December to late February the fort is lit at night. The frozen moat looks especially striking from the observation deck.
Planning the visit
Trams run from Hakodate Station to the Goryokaku Koen-mae stop, and the tower sits next to the park. The bus line called Motomachi and Bay-area Shuyu-go links the station with the Bay Area and Motomachi. Luggage lockers are available, but they are a paid service.
Golden Week weekends are very crowded, and the viewing platform has no seating near the snack stall. Plan a quick walk through the park, then head back to the tower or onward to the bay.
FAQ
How long do you need at Goryokaku Tower?
Plan one to two hours. That covers the observation decks, the exhibits and a walk through the park, and it leaves time for the Magistrate's Office if you go in.
Is there an entry fee for the observation deck?
Yes. Reported fees differ, so check the official website for the current price before you go.
Is there a cheaper way to buy tickets?
Convenience-store tickets can cut admission by about 10 percent. The option is listed only on the Japanese-only copier menu, so ask the staff to help you.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
The park's cherry blossoms usually bloom from late April into May. Late May can bring azaleas and wisteria, though the wisteria may be finishing by then.
How do I get to Goryokaku Tower from Hakodate Station?
Take the tram to the Goryokaku Koen-mae stop, which is about 10 minutes away. The tower stands next to the park.
