Fort Goryokaku (ܗŊs, Goryōkaku) is a massive, star-shaped, Western-style citadel, which was built in the last years of the Edo Period (1603-1868) for the defense of Hakodate against the imperialist threat posed by the Western powers. A few years later, the fort became the site of a civil war between an army of the shogunate and the superior troops of the newly established Meiji government.
After the fort had lost its military importance, it was eventually turned into a public park in the 1910s. Over one thousand cherry trees were planted along its moats, making it one of Hokkaido's best cherry blossom spots. The peak of the blooming season usually takes place around early May.
In the center of the fort stands the Former Magistrate Office, from where the officers of the shogunate used to administer the island of Hokkaido. The original building was demolished after the fall of the shogunate in 1871, but the city meticulously reconstructed a part of the complex and opened it to the public in 2010.
For a bird's eye view of the huge fortress, access the observation deck of the nearby Goryokaku Tower. The 107 meter tall tower replaced its 60 meter tall predecessor in 2006.
Getting there and around
From Hakodate Station, take the tram to "Goryokaku Koen-mae" (ܗŊsO, 15 minutes, 230 yen one way), from where the fortress is another ten minutes on foot.
How to get to and around Hakodate
Hours and Fees
Goryokaku Tower
Hours
9:00 to 18:00
Closed
No closing days
Admission
1200 yen
Former Magistrate Office
Hours
9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from November through March)
Admission ends 15 minutes before closing.
Admission ends 15 minutes before closing.
Closed
December 31 to January 3 and a small number of irregular closing days
Admission
500 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Hakodate
Top rated in Hakodate
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Pension JokuraView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Pension Jokura in Hakodate offers a 2-star guest house experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a work desk. Each room includes a TV, seating area, and shared bathroom.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available. The property also provides Asian breakfast.Prime Location
Located 8 km from Hakodate Airport, the guest house is near attractions such as Hakodate Park (1.7 km), Old British Consulate (3-minute walk), and Hakodate Orthodox Church (10-minute walk).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, convenient location, and excellent staff support. -
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Villa Concordia Resort & SpaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Villa Concordia Resort & Spa in Hakodate offers family rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and mountain views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a work desk, and free WiFi.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy spa facilities, a hot tub, and a terrace. Additional amenities include a lounge, beauty services, wellness packages, and a 24-hour front desk.Dining Options
The restaurant serves dinner with continental breakfast featuring cheese. Free off-site private parking is available, and the hotel is 8 km from Hakodate Airport. -
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Wakamatsu Hot Spring ResortBoasting open-air hot spring baths and ocean views, Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort is a 15-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station. Free parking is available on site. Delicately prepared Japanese meals are offered. Featuring tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The en suite bathroom has a bath tub and free toiletries. Guests at Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort can unwind at the public bathing area or enjoy massages at an additional charge. Hakodate Airport is a 7-minute drive away. Goryokaku Park is a 12-minute drive from the property. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a 15-minute walk away, while Yunokawa Onsen bus stop is a 2-minute walk away. Guests with a dinner-inclusive rate can savour Japanese course meals prepared with seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. Traditional Japanese breakfast is also on offer.View on Booking.com -
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Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel & ResortsA 3-minute walk from Hakodate Station, Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel & Resorts offers rooms with a 32-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Rooms come with a balcony, a living area and a kitchenette. Danshaku Hakodate Club Hotel & Resorts is an 8-minute drive away from Sanroku Station which offers access to the Mount Hakodate Ropeway. Hakodate Morning Market is only a 1-minute walk and Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a 15-minute walk away. Rooms are spacious and bright, featuring tile flooring and simple contemporary design. En suite bathrooms offer views of Mount Hakodate. The Danshaku Club Hotel features bicycle rental and coin-operated laundry facilities. Guests can shop at the in-house sundry shop. A Western breakfast is served in guestrooms.View on Booking.com -
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Hakodate Onuma Tsuruga Resort EPUY- 30km from Hakodate StationOffering free WiFi, Hakodate Onuma Tsuruga Resort EPUY offers accommodation in Nanae, a 3-minute walk from Onuma Park and 1.1 km from Lake Konuma. Guests at the 5-star property can enjoy garden views in the rooms and access to a hot spring bath. The property has a restaurant. At the hotel, every room is non-smoking and has a desk and a flat-screen TV. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Hakodate Onuma Tsuruga Resort EPUY offers a buffet breakfast and full-course dinner using local ingredients. Skiing is among the activities that guests can enjoy near Onuma Epuy. Lake Onuma is 1.8 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Hakodate, 27 km from Hakodate Onuma Tsuruga Resort EPUY.View on Booking.com -
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JR Inn HakodateView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
JR Inn Hakodate in Hakodate offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, bidets, and city views. Each room includes a refrigerator, free toiletries, and a work desk.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, child-friendly buffet, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a sofa bed, sofa, and mountain views.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is served daily, featuring a variety of options to start the day.Convenient Location
Located 7 km from Hakodate Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its proximity to public transport, nearby shops, and comfortable bathrooms. -
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fav HAKODATEView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Fav HAKODATE in Hakodate offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a kitchen, dining area, and free WiFi.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can relax on the sun terrace or enjoy a drink at the bar. The hotel provides free on-site private parking, a coffee shop, and a lift.Convenient Location
Located a 5-minute walk from Hakodate Station and near attractions such as Hakodate City Hall and Goryokaku Park. Hakodate Airport is 7 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, nearby shops, and comfortable rooms. -
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Yunokawa Prince Hotel NagisateiLocated in a historic hot-spring district with a history of 350 years, Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei boasts rooms with en suite open-air baths. Rooms offer sea views of Tsugaru Strait or views of Hakodate City. Hakodate Airport can be reached within a 10-minute drive. JR Hakodate Train Station and Hakodate Goryokaku Fort are both a 15-minute drive. Yunokawa Prince Hotel Bus Stop is just a minutesf walk from the hotel. Rooms at Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei have tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon beds. All rooms provide free WiFi access and are air-conditioned with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and private toilet. The on-site restaurant serves both Japanese and Western style buffet.View on Booking.com -
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Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi AkarinoyuLocated within 1.5 km of Motomachi Catholic Church and 1.6 km of The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu offers rooms in Hakodate. The property is set 4.3 km from Hakodate Goryokaku, 5 km from Goryokaku Park and 2.1 km from Hakodate Park. The hotel features a hot spring bath and a 24-hour front desk. Breakfast can be chosen from a selection of offsite restaurants at Hakodake Morning Market featuring Hakodate ingredients. The units come with air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. The private bathroom is equipped with a bath and free toiletries. The hotel offers a hot tub. Popular points of interest near Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarino include Hakodate City Office, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and Kitajima Saburo Memorial Museum. The nearest airport is Hakodate Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt ResortView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort in Hakodate offers family rooms with sea, mountain, or city views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and modern amenities.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, public bath, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The restaurant serves Japanese and sushi cuisines for dinner. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning, highly appreciated by guests.Prime Location
Located 1 km from Hakodate Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden (1-minute walk) and Yunokawa Onsen (less than 1 km). The surrounding hot spring area enhances the relaxing atmosphere.
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