Goryokaku ruins

ID:1772
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Goryokaku is a symbol of Hakodate City, Hokkaido, and is a special historic site of a star-shaped fortress built by the Edo Shogunate at the end of the Edo period. It is a place where you can tour the historical stage of the end of the Edo period and experience the drama of the Hakodate War.

Goryokaku is a bastion-style castle in the shape of a star. The star shape was invented in medieval Europe and is an advantageous shape for defense. There are only two Goryokakus in Japan: Goryokaku in Hakodate and Goryokaku in Tatsuoka Castle in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture.

Goryokaku was the site of the Hakodate War, the final battle of the Boshin War. In the Hakodate War, the new government forces and the former Shogunate forces fought fiercely, resulting in many casualties.

A popular tourist route is to view the magnificent star shape from the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower. In particular, in spring, about 1,600 Somei-yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom, and the view of the cherry blossoms colored in a star shape is overwhelming, attracting many cherry blossom viewers. In winter, the moat freezes over and snow piles up on top of it, making the star shape even more striking, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful snow scenery.

There is no parking lot. Please use the nearby paid parking lot.

[Admission Fee]
Goryokaku Park: Free
Hakodate Magistrate's Office: 500 yen for adults / 250 yen for children

[Goryokaku Tower Observation Fee]
Adults: 1,200 yen
Junior and High School Students: 900 yen
Elementary School Students: 600 yen

[Opening Hours]
Park: April to October: 5:00 to 19:00 / November to March: 5:00 to 18:00
Tower: 9:00 to 18:00 (Ticket sales end at 17:50)

[Closed Days]
Open all year round

[Parking]
None (use nearby paid parking / about 200 yen per hour)