📝 1. Overview
Goryokaku Park is a star-shaped fortress-turned-public-park that’s rich in history and stunning in all four seasons—especially during cherry blossom season. Rising beside it is the sleek Goryokaku Tower, offering a perfect bird’s-eye view of the iconic star layout. Once the site of the last battle between the Tokugawa Shogunate and Imperial forces, Goryokaku now blends tranquil nature, samurai history, and sweeping views into one of Hakodate’s most iconic destinations.
🌟 2. Highlights
🗼 Goryokaku Tower – 107m tall tower with 360° observatory views
⭐ Star-Shaped Fort View – Best seen from above, especially in spring
🌸 Cherry Blossoms (Late Apr–Early May) – Over 1,600 sakura trees bloom
🏯 Former Magistrate Office (Rebuilt) – Traditional samurai-style architecture
📜 Exhibits on the Boshin War – Learn about the end of the samurai era
🍁 Autumn Leaves – A fiery reflection of the star moat
❄️ Snowy Fortress in Winter – Pristine, quiet, and postcard-perfect
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Top of Goryokaku Tower – Full star-shaped view (especially during cherry blossom season)
- Moat bridges – Framed by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves
- Beside the rebuilt magistrate office for a traditional shot
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Spring (late April–early May) for sakura season
- Morning for fewer crowds & better tower lighting
- Fall (late October) for crisp weather & foliage
🎫 Tower admission ticket ≈ ¥1,000 for adults
🎟️ Combo tickets often include museum or local bus discounts
☕ Don’t miss the café & shop at the tower base
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near Goryokaku
- Lucky Pierrot Goryokaku Park Branch
🍔 Hakodate’s famous burger chain with quirky decor
📍30-14 Goryokaku-cho
🕒 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🚶 3 min walk from tower - Ajisai Ramen Goryokaku
🍜 Local shio (salt) ramen with deep umami flavor
📍29-22 Goryokaku-cho
🕒 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
🚶 5 min walk from park entrance - Petit Merveille Goryokaku
🍰 Sweets, custards & seasonal desserts
📍Tower Plaza 1F
🕒 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶 Inside tower building
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Explore Inside & Around Goryokaku
🗼 Tower Zone
- Observatory Deck – Glass walls with city & bay views
- History Panels – Learn about the Boshin War & Hakodate’s past
- Gift Shop – Stars, samurai, and sakura-themed souvenirs
🌳 Park Grounds
- Star-Shaped Moat Path – Walk or jog around the full loop
- Reconstructed Magistrate Office – Step back into Edo-period politics
- Cherry Tree Zones – Best photo spots near moat bridges
📖 Cultural Corner
- Hakodate Museum of Art (10 min walk)
- Small cafés and bookstores hidden around the area
- Seasonal night lighting during sakura season
🚗 5. Access
📍 From JR Hakodate Station
🚌 Take Tram to Goryokaku Koen Mae Station → 10 min walk
🚗 ~15 minutes by car
📍 From Motomachi or Bay Area
🚌 20–30 min tram ride + walk
🚗 ~20–25 minutes by car
📍 From Hakodate Airport
🚗 ~20 minutes via Route 63
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Goryokaku Park is fully walkable
🅿️ Paid parking near the tower and park entrance
🚲 Bike rentals sometimes available near tram stop