Goryokaku Fort park — *The glorious Goryokaku fort lit up for the winter illuminations*

Hello my fellow Feasters! If you’re planning a trip to Hakodate (great seafood here by the way), Goryokaku Fort is one place you shouldn’t skip. This star-shaped fortress in southern Hokkaido isn’t just visually unique, it’s one of the most important historical sites in Hokkaido, Japan and easily one of the highlights of the city.

From walking the peaceful park grounds to seeing the full five-pointed design from above at Goryokaku Tower, visiting Goryokaku Fort gives you a mix of history, scenery, and some of the best seasonal views in Hakodate. In this guide, I’ll be bringing you to explore what makes Goryokaku Fort special, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit!

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Why Visit Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate

Goryokaku Fort governer magistrate building park — *The magistrate building in the center of Goryokaku park*

Goryokaku Fort is THE most historically important and probably the most striking landmark in Hakodate so of course it is worth adding this stop to your list of things to do in Hakodate.

What makes Goryokaku Fort even more special is the story behind it. This was the final battlefield of the Boshin War and a turning point in Japan’s transition into the modern Meiji era. You’re literally standing in the place where the old samurai government made its last stand. Even if you’re not deeply into history, Goryokaku Fort itself is a peaceful park that is perfect for picnics or an afternoon stroll.

Adjacent to the fort is the Goryokaku Tower which has an observation deck where you can view the entirety of not just the striking star shaped fortress, but also the entirety of Hakodate and it’s surrounding landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Goryokaku Fort

Goryokaku Fort during spring cherry blossom trees — *This is what Goryokaku Fort looks like during the peak of cherry blossom season, stunning*

The best time to visit Goryokaku Fort really depends on what you want to see, but Spring is hard to beat. During cherry blossom season (April - May), the entire star-shaped park fills with pink sakura trees, and from above, the shape of Goryokaku Fort looks almost unreal.

Autumn is another great option, with colorful foliage around the moats.

Summer offers lush greenery and fewer crowds.

Winter is when i visited and it brings snow that outlines the star beautifully from the tower.

Personally, if you can time it with cherry blossom season, that’s when Goryokaku Fort truly shines.

History of Goryokaku Fort

Goryokaku fort in Hakodate plays an important role in Japan’s transition into the Meiji era and its subsequent Western influences. Built in 1864 during the final years of the Edo period, Goryokaku Fort was Japan’s first Western-style star shaped fortress, constructed in direct response to the city being opened up for international trading.

The Shogunate wanted to modernize Hakodate’s military and defenses as it was now facing new “threats” from the technology of Western naval powers.

During the Boshin War (1868-1869), after the fall of the capital city of Edo, loyalist forces fled north to Hakodate and used Goryokaku Fort as their stronghold. This culminated in the Battle of Hakodate (1869), Japan’s last large-scale battle fought by samurai. The fort eventually fell to imperial forces, symbolizing the definitive end of feudalism in Japan.

Today, Goryokaku Fort has been turned into a park with its walls being stripped of defenses and its gates being opened for hundreds of thousands of international and domestic visitors every year.

Exploring Goryokaku Fort and Park

I visited Hakodate and Goryokaku Fort during the winter months so everything was covered in snow, but I think that just gives the park a different kind of beauty, especially if you are viewing the entire fortress from the nearby Goryokaku Tower, which we will visit later.

There aren no entrance fees to Goryokaku Fort, it is a park after all.

Waking towards the park, you’ll see that the fortress is surrounded by a deep and wide moat. And something about Goryokaku Fort that is unique to the winter months is that the moat freezes completely, and back in ancient times, there was actually an entire industry dedicated to harvesting this moat ice, which would then later be advertised and sold as “Goryokaku Ice”. How entrepreneurial.

During the spring or summer seasons you can rent a rowboat to cruise along the moat as well.

Goryokaku Fort frozen moat — *The frozen moats of Goryokaku Fort, where locals harvest ice to be sold*

Much like Osaka Castle, getting to the center of Goryokaku Fort involves walking through narrow “funnel” lined o both sides by the towering fortress walls.

The iconic five-pointed star shape of Goryokaku Fort wasn’t chosen for aesthetics (though it looks amazing from above). This design allowed defenders to cover every angle without blind spots, making it far more effective against artillery attacks than traditional Japanese castles, perfect for coastal defenses.

Thick earthen walls, wide moats, and low profiles were all deliberate features meant to withstand modern (well at the time) warfare. It might sound obvious now as you’re strolling along the walls but it’s easy to forget that this was cutting edge military technology back then.

Goryokaku Fort park magistrate building — *What a cool building, it was a shame that it’s closed for rennovations*

Once you’ve made it past the walls, the park area is actually quite big. At certain times of the year, the walls and moat will be decorated with illumination lights so be sure to catch that. Actually winter Illuminations are quite big festivities in Japan, see my blog post about the Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination for more details.

And during cherry blossom season (April - May), the park is famous for its roughly 1,600 blooming cherry blossoms. Which makes Goryokaku fort a very popular spot for the O-hanami festival, a festival where you have picnics and just enjoy the soothing pink cherry blossoms.

But I came during winter, and there were no cherry blossoms…

Goryokaku Fort illumination night lights — *Seeing Goryokaku Fort illuminated like this is truly a sight to behold*

In terms of history, you can find a recreation of the late-Edo period government building that once stood at the center of the fort. You can go inside, see tatami rooms and exhibits about samurai era governance, and learn about life and administration during the Bakumatsu period.

Though when I went (Januray 2026), the building was closed and under renovation. Still it was cool to see, especially if you are a history buff and are interested in learning about Japanese history.

Goryokaku Tower: Best Views of the Fort

Goryokaku tower observation viewpoint — *What a tall tower*

This is where the true beauty of Goryokaku fort can be beholden, nearby is the Goryokaku Tower, a roughly 107 meter tall observation tower, that not only gives you breathtaking vistas of the fortress but an entire 360° panoramic view of the entire port city of Hakodate.

The floor of Goryokaku Tower is a pretty extensive souvenir shop and cafe, you can but a bunch of regional snacks, and knick knacks to bring home with you, there are also arts and crafts created by local artists that are sold here, stuff like keychains, stickers, tote bags, etc…

Going up the Goryokaku tower to the observation deck you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around 1,200 JPY (7.65 USD). To avoid the long queues and wait times, you can pre-purchase a ticket online at Klook.

view of hakodate from Goryokaku Tower — *I get why it’s called Goryokaku Tower but it should just be called Hakodate Tower instead*

The elevator ride takes you straight to the top observation deck, and this is where Goryokaku Fort really shines. From above, the star-shaped design is perfectly clear, with the moats and walking paths forming that iconic five-pointed outline. You can also see across Hakodate and out toward the mountains, and the never ending ocean. Coin operated binoculars are available as well.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, this view is especially unforgettable, pink trees filling every edge of the star.

Up on the observation level, there’s also a small but well-done “museum display” complete with informational placards and miniature displays, that explains the history of Goryokaku Fort, the Boshin War, and key figures involved in the final battles of the Edo period. It’s where I got the information to share the above history lesson with you.

Goryokaku Fort Tower statue of Toshizo Hijikata — *He seems a bit of a stuck up*

The most prominent part of this “museum display” is the bronze statue of Toshizō Hijikata, a key historical figure from the final stages of the Edo period and the Battle of Hakodate.

Going down a floor, there’s also another souvenir shop, with items themed specifically around Goryokaku Fort like various posters, keychains, magnets, etc… Also there is a little stall selling soft serve ice cream.

Other Attractions Near Goryokaku Fort

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Goryokaku Fort — *Inside each of these warehouses are about a dozen shops selling local goods*

After exploring Goryokaku Fort, I’d recommend setting aside a few extra hours to see more of Hakodate because the area around the fort connects easily to several of the city’s best highlights. Goryokaku Fort sits in a lively neighborhood with shops, cafés, and easy tram access, so it’s simple to continue your day without backtracking.

I like pairing Goryokaku Fort with a mix of city views, historic districts, and local food spots to get a fuller picture of Hakodate beyond just the star-shaped park.

Other Attractions Near Goryokaku Fort

Mount Hakodate - Viewpoint overlooking the city, famous for one of Japan’s best night views
Hakodate Morning Market - Freshest seafood in all of Hokkaido, don’t forget Donburi alley!
Motomachi District - Historic Western-style walking streets, lots of churches to explore
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Cute and iconic shopping street, cafés, and waterfront views

If you’re planning your trip be sure to check out my Top 10 Things to Do in Hakodate blog post for more ideas to fill out your Hakodate itinerary~

How to Get to Goryokaku Fort

Getting to Goryokaku Fort is really straightforward, even if it’s your first time in Hakodate.

From Hakodate Station, the easiest option is the city tram, hop on and get off at Goryokaku Koen-mae Station, then it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to Goryokaku Fort and Goryokaku Tower. The tram ride takes roughly 15 minutes and is inexpensive.

You can also take a local bus or a short taxi ride if you’re tight on time. I found the tram simple and efficient, and the walk through the neighborhood is very pleasant

Details About Goryokaku Fort and Tower

Goryokaku Fort is a Western-style, star-shaped fortress designed to defend Hakodate. Today, it’s a spacious public park with wide walking paths along its moats and earthen ramparts, plus the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate’s Office at its center, where visitors can see tatami rooms and historical exhibits explaining late-samurai governance.

The adjacent Goryokaku Tower rises 107 meters high and features observation decks, offering panoramic views of the entire city of Hakodate and the surrounding mountains.

The park is especially famous for its roughly 1,600 cherry trees in spring, but it remains a scenic and historically significant destination throughout the year.

Location: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Mon - Sun

Entrance Fee: Goryokaku Park is free entry, Goryokaku tower is 1,200 JPY to go up to the observation deck

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