Goryōkaku Tower — Attraction in Hakodate

Visiting Goryokaku Tower offers a stunning experience, but there are a few aspects that could be improved. The tower is about a 750m walk from the tram stop, despite the stop being named "Front of Goryokaku Tower." It's not too far, but something to keep in mind if you're visiting during winter.

We purchased our tickets online, thinking it would save time, but unfortunately, we still had to queue up to exchange them for physical tickets. This process felt outdated, especially for Japan, a country known for its technological advancements and eco-consciousness. It would be great if they streamlined this system to accept digital tickets directly.

The queue management also left something to be desired. Individual visitors and large tour groups share the same line, which can create unnecessary delays. Separating these queues would improve efficiency, especially since tour groups naturally require more time to process.

However, the highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the view from the top. In winter, the breathtaking scenery of Goryokaku Park blanketed in snow is simply mesmerizing. The star-shaped design of the park and its rich historical significance add a unique charm.

Inside the tower, there's a small café on the second floor and a gelato shop that’s worth a stop. The first floor houses the ticket counter, a large souvenir shop, and a few snack stalls for a quick bite.

Despite some logistical frustrations, the incredible view and historical significance make Goryokaku Tower a worthwhile visit. Just plan ahead for the queuing and consider skipping the online...

Amazing view from the 107 meter tower and provides views of the Goryokaku Fort. The Tokugawa Shogunate, the Japanese government during the Edo period (1603-1868), closed the country to foreign commerce, except for the Netherlands and China. However, in 1854, Japan signed a friendship treaty with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia one after another. Hakodate became a port town open to foreign commerce. In 1858, Ayasaburo Takeda was designated to design the fort. He studied the fortified cities of Europe in the early modern period to design a fort that could protect against battles using guns and cannons. It took nearly seven years for the construction. The star-shaped fort was nearly completed in 1864. This is one example of European influence in Hakkadote and the island of Hokkaido. At the top of the tower is multiple exhibits depicting battles and history of the fort including the survey by 5 fleets of five ships in 1854 under the conditions of the Convention of Kanagawa, as negotiated by Commodore Matthew Perry. It’s a absolutely. ...

Visiting the Goryokaku Tower is definitely a highlight of the trip. From the observation deck, you get a clear view of the fort’s unique star shape, beautifully covered in cherry blossoms during sakura season. Seeing the entire grounds from above truly puts the scale and design of this historic site into perspective — it’s an impressive and memorable sight.

Despite how busy it was (and it was very busy), everything was well-organized. The lines moved smoothly, and the staff were impressively efficient and friendly, making the whole experience pleasant and stress-free.

The gift shop nearby offers a nice selection of sakura-themed souvenirs and local products. One item that caught our eye was a cherry liqueur with delicate gold flakes — a special keepsake that stood out from the usual offerings. There are plenty of thoughtful and unique items to browse, making it a great stop to pick up a meaningful memento.

Overall, the tower and gift shop add great value to the Goryokaku visit and are well worth including in...