Early Dec
Early Mar
<p>The Goryokaku fortress illuminated in the winter</p>
The Goryokaku fortress illuminated in the winter (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Star Illumination of Goryokaku

Hakodate lights up the night

Mandy Bartok   - 1 min read
Venue : Goryokaku Park When : Early Dec 2024 - Early Mar 2025

Every year, from December 1st to the final day of February, Hakodate's historical fortress of Goryokaku is lit up in an event known as Hoshi no Yume.

Around 5000 lights are strung along the perimeter of the fortress, which was constructed during the waning years of the Edo Period (1600-1868) as a defensive measure against potential international incursions. The illuminations take place each evening and last from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. A path runs along the exterior of the star-shaped structure, making the site perfect for a post-dinner winter stroll, especially when the snow is falling.

Getting there

The Goryokaku fortress can be reached on foot in fifteen minutes from the Goryokaku Koen-mae streetcar stop.

More info

Find out more about Goryokaku Park.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.