The star shaped Fort Goryokaku was constructed in Hakodate from 1857 to 1864 as Japan's first Western style fortress. Its ruins are now the Goryokaku Park, which in May becomes one of Hokkaido's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing.
In 1868, when the Meiji Restoration led to the overthrow of the Edo Shogunate, forces still loyal to the shogun fled to Hokkaido instead of surrendering and used Hakodate's Goryokaku as their headquarters in the resulting civil war against the Imperial forces. The loyalists surrendered in 1869.
Access the observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower for a bird's view of the huge fortress. In April 2006, a new, 107 meter tall tower was opened, replacing the 60 meter tall, former tower, dating from 1964.
| 
