Activities
Star Illumination of Goryokaku 2024-2025
Mandy BartokHakodate lights up the winter nights with a special three-month illumination at the Goryokaku star-shaped fortress.
Goryokaku Park is an iconic star-shaped fort located in Hakodate. The fortress was originally constructed in 1855 to protect Hokkaido and was the site of a civil war between the shogunate’s soldiers and the imperial troops of the Meiji government. Later in the 1910s, the area was converted into a public park, and today, it is recognized as a national special historic site.
The beautifully landscaped park shines during all seasons and is a popular natural retreat for residents and tourists alike.
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Goryokaku Tower, located just outside the park, stands 107 meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of the park and Hakodate City from its multiple observation decks. The tower also has shops, restaurants, and an exhibition on Goryokaku’s history.
Located in the center of the park, the Former Magistrate Office is a partial reconstruction of the original building where the shogunate’s officers ruled over Hokkaido. The office was rebuilt using traditional methods and is a stunning display of Japanese architecture.
After the land was designated as a park, the city planted more than one thousand cherry trees along its moats. Today, it is one of Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. The contrast of the pink blossoms against the moats’ water and surrounding foliage make for an awe-inspiring sight.
From Hakodate Station, take the tram to Goryokaku Koen Mae Station (10 mins). Then, continue 10 minutes on foot to the park.
Hakodate lights up the winter nights with a special three-month illumination at the Goryokaku star-shaped fortress.
A Western Style Fortress but the site of battle of a very Japanese War. Visit the observation tower to best see its snowflake like design.
I trek nearly eight kilometers from Goryokaku Park to the Trappistine Convent in Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hakodate lights up the winter nights with a special three-month illumination at the Goryokaku star-shaped fortress.
A synopsis of my stay at the Hotel Grantia Hakodate Ekimae in Hakodate, Hokkaido
Only in Hakodate can you eat that this unique Japanese burger chain. Lucky Pierrot doesn't clown around!
Hemmed between the Pacific Ocean and the cold currents from Siberia, one could imagine Daimon Yokocho being frequented by seafarers barely breathing after an epic David vs Goliath struggle on the raging seas.
Hakodate is a 334 m high mountain in Hokkaido that is particularly famous for its nighttime views. It is located near the center of Hakodate and should definitely be explored when visiting the city, especially on clear days and in clear At night, the view from the mountain is spectacular and, along with the view from Inasa Mountain in Nagasaki and Rokko Mountain in Kobe, is one of the three most beautiful views at night in Japan. The summit can be reached by cable car, bus or by car. The cable car is the most common and fastest way to tour the mountain. There is an observation deck, souvenir shops, a café and a restaurant there.
Goryokaku Park holds colourful cherry blossoms, calm open-grounds, and a powerful history as the former seat of the short-lived Republic of Ezo.
A visit to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office at Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido