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Goryokaku Park: A Star-Shaped Citadel of History and Beauty

Discover Goryokaku Park in Hakodate: A star-shaped fortress where history meets scenic beauty, offering seasonal delights and panoramic views from Goryokaku Tower.

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Goryokaku Park, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is a unique star-shaped fort that served as a defense against Western powers in the Edo period. Today, it's a public park and a Special Historic Site, offering beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons and a glimpse into Japanese history.

A brief summary to Goryokaku Park

Local tips

  • Visit during cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for the best views, but be prepared for crowds.
  • Climb Goryokaku Tower for a panoramic view of the star-shaped fortress and surrounding Hakodate.
  • Explore the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate's Office to learn about the fort's history and significance.
  • Take a leisurely walk around the park's perimeter, enjoying the seasonal scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hakodate Station, take the Hakodate City Tram to 'Goryokaku Koen-mae' station. The tram ride takes approximately 15 minutes and costs 230 yen. From the tram stop, it's a 10-minute walk to Goryokaku Park. Alternatively, take a Hakodate Bus from Hakodate Station to the 'Goryokaku Park entrance' bus stop. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes, and a single fare costs between 210-260 yen.

  • Walking

    From Goryokaku Tower, exit the tower and walk north towards Goryokaku Park. The park entrance is approximately a 1-minute walk from the tower. Follow the signs for Goryokaku Park, and you'll easily find the entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Hakodate Station or Goryokaku Tower. A taxi ride from Hakodate Station to Goryokaku Park takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around 1,500-2,000 yen, depending on traffic. From Goryokaku Tower, a taxi to the park entrance is a short ride, costing approximately 700-1,000 yen.

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Discover more about Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty in the heart of Hakodate. This star-shaped fortress, built in 1866, stands as Japan's first Western-style fort, designed by Takeda Ayasaburō based on European techniques. Originally constructed to protect Hakodate from potential Western threats, it later became the site of the final battle of the Boshin War, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history. In 1914, Goryokaku was transformed into a public park, becoming a beloved space for relaxation and recreation. Over a thousand cherry trees were planted along the moats, making it one of Hokkaido's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots. During spring, the park bursts into a sea of pink, attracting visitors from far and wide. The unique star shape of the park creates stunning vantage points for admiring the blossoms, and the moat turns a milky pink as petals fall. Visitors can explore the park's historical relics, including cannons and remnants of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which has been partially reconstructed. For a panoramic view of the star-shaped fort, ascend the Goryokaku Tower, located adjacent to the park. The tower offers breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding city, providing a unique perspective on this historical landmark. Goryokaku Park offers a serene escape with walking paths that wind through the grounds, allowing visitors to appreciate the changing seasons. Whether it's the cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery in summer, the colorful autumn leaves, or the snow-covered landscape in winter, Goryokaku Park provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.

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