Hakodate Goryokaku Star Fortress & Goryokaku Tower

Category: Five-Pointed Star Fortress & Historic Shogunate Citadel | Location: 43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001

Located in the historic port city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, Goryokaku is a designated Special Historic Site recognized as Japan’s first French-style five-pointed star fortress. Designed by Dutch-studies scholar Takeda Ayasaburo based on the military citadel theories of French engineer Vauban and constructed by the Tokugawa Shogunate between 1857 and 1864, the star configuration was engineered to eliminate blind spots for defensive cannon fire. It served as the dramatic battleground for the Battle of Hakodate (1868–1869), the final chapter of the Boshin War where Shogunate loyalists led by Enomoto Takeaki and legendary Shinsengumi commander Hijikata Toshizo made their heroic final stand. Adjacent to the fortress moat rises the 107-meter-tall Goryokaku Tower, erected in 2006. From its glass-walled observation deck at 90 meters, visitors enjoy an unobstructed aerial view of the flawless five-pointed star fortress below. The wide water moat surrounding the star ramparts is lined with approximately 1,600 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. Every early May, these blossoms erupt in synchrony, transforming the fortress grounds into a colossal pink star visible against Mount Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. During cherry blossom season, glowing paper lanterns line the moats for enchanting evening hanami picnics. At the center of the leafy interior grounds stands the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate’s Office (*Hakodate Bugyosho*), painstakingly rebuilt in 2010 using authentic Edo-period woodworking joinery and aromatic Japanese cypress. Visitors can step through tatami council chambers and view authentic historical samurai weaponry. While park admission is free, Goryokaku Tower observation tickets are approximately ¥1,000 for adults. The site is easily accessible via a 15-minute ride on the Hakodate City Tram from JR Hakodate Station to Goryokaku-Koen-Mae stop, followed by a pleasant 10-minute walk.