Hakodate’s Star Shaped Fort - Cherry Blossom festival

Situated in Hakodate city, the star-shaped moated fortress - Fort Goryōkaku (五稜郭) (five-point fort) is the first Western-style fortress built-in 1864. The design of this fortress was based on the plan of a French fortress design and was completed by 1866. In 1868, during the Battle of Hakodate, this unique star-shaped fort reduced the number of blind spots where a cannon could not fire.

As Hakodate is on Hokkaido island, north of Japan, the Cherry Blossom blooming happens later in May, unlike the other cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. During spring, Fort Goryokaku is a favorite spot for ‘hanami’ (flower viewing festival)/ cherry-blossom viewing in Hakodate.

Goryokaku from the Top

Located next to Goryokaku Tower, the fort has around 1500 cherry blossom trees planted along the star-shaped moat. View from the top (90m above the ground), the observation deck on the 2nd floor is the best viewing experience that one should not miss. From the observatory, you can also see Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Straits, and the mountains of the Yokotsu mountain range.

Apart from cherry blossoms in spring, you can also enjoy the view of autumn leaves in fall and snow illuminations in winter. You can easily spend a day in Hakodate and explore this beautiful city by tram/ streetcar. Read our blog on the ‘Top 5 things to do in Hakodate’ by using the tram pass for one day.

View of Fort Goryokaku from the observation deck of the tower

Goryokaku from the ground

After viewing the fort from the top, you can also stroll in the park, get some food and drinks and have a hanami under the cherry blossom trees. During the nighttime, there is an illumination to see cherry blossom trees.  

Apart from the seafood, Hakodate is also known for lamb meat. This lamb meat/ lamb barbeque is popularly known as Genghis Khan (pronounced jingisukan in Japanese). 

Genghis Khan is the lamb meat grilled along with vegetables on a unique grill with a raised mound in the center. During the hanami, one can taste this specialty of Hokkaido, lamb barbecue, inside the Goryokaku Park. There are many restaurants in the city serving this specialty all year long.

Red and White lanterns on Cherry Blossom trees

Group of people enjoying the hanami season

Getting There

• From the JR Hakodate station, get on a tram from Hakodate-eki-mae(DY 01) tram stop just a min from JR Hakodate Station. Ride the Hakodate City Tram either a Route 2 or Route 5 tram going toward Yunokawa. Get off at Goryokaku-Koenmae (DY 09) and walk about 10 minutes to Goryokaku Park.

Goryokaku Tower Admission

Opening Hours

• Goryokaku Tower : 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

  Please see the Goryokaku Tower General Information Site for facilities and other useful information

Phone 0138-51-4785

Admission Fees

• Goryokaku Tower
  Adults ¥900 (¥810)
  Elementary school student ¥450 (¥410)

  *Prices in ( ) are discounted prices for groups of 30 people or more

References & useful links

• Goryokaku Tower - official website. For English select the language from the dropdown on the website.

• Photo Gallery