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

Goryokaku was the stage of the Hakodate War, the last battle of the Boshin War. In the Hakodate War, the new government army and the former Shogunate army fought fiercely, resulting in many casualties.

You can see the star-shaped Goryokaku from Goryokaku Tower.

There is no parking lot. Paid parking is available nearby.