Goryōkaku — Attraction in Hakodate

Goryōkaku (五稜郭) is a historic site in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. Built in the mid-19th century, it was Japan's first Western-style fortification, constructed in a distinctive star shape. Here are some highlights about Goryōkaku:

Historical Background Construction: Goryōkaku was built between 1857 and 1864 by the Tokugawa shogunate as a response to growing foreign threats, especially from Western countries. Purpose: Designed primarily to defend Hakodate from naval attacks, it also served as the administrative center for Hokkaido in the final years of the Edo period.

Design and Architecture Star-Shaped Fort: Inspired by Western star forts, especially those developed in France, Goryōkaku’s unique design helped protect it from cannon fire and improved defensive capabilities. Architect: The design was by Takeda Ayasaburō, a Japanese scholar of Western studies, who studied French military engineering. Structure: It is a large, five-pointed star fort with wide moats and thick earthen walls. This design allowed defenders to cover all sides with minimal blind spots.

Key Events Boshin War: Goryōkaku was a significant site during the Boshin War (1868-1869), a civil war in Japan between forces of the shogunate and those supporting the Meiji Restoration. Republic of Ezo: In 1869, it became the last stronghold of the Tokugawa loyalists who declared the short-lived Republic of Ezo, Japan's first attempt at a democratic government. The republic ultimately surrendered after the Battle of Hakodate.

Modern-Day Goryōkaku Public Park: Today, Goryōkaku is a public park, beautifully surrounded by cherry blossom trees that bloom spectacularly in the spring. Goryōkaku Tower: Nearby, the Goryōkaku Tower offers a panoramic view of the star-shaped fort, giving visitors a unique perspective of its layout and design. Historical Site: The site is a designated Special Historic Site in Japan, drawing tourists interested in Japan’s transition to the modern era and Western influences on its architecture and military strategies.

Goryōkaku remains a symbol of Japan's period of transition and experimentation with foreign influences and has become an iconic historical and cultural landmark...

Today I visited Goryokaku in Hakodate, drawn by the promise of vibrant red leaves in late October. The star-shaped fort and its surrounding park are known for their stunning autumn foliage, making it a popular destination for leaf peepers.

Upon arrival, the scenery was indeed beautiful, but I was slightly disappointed to find that many of the leaves were still green. While some trees were beginning to show hints of red and gold, the full spectrum of autumn colors wasn’t quite there yet. It seems that the peak color season was still a week or two away.

That said, Goryokaku itself is a lovely site to explore. The historical architecture, combined with the serene park setting, creates a peaceful atmosphere. Walking along the pathways, you can appreciate the unique star shape of the fort and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, if you’re hoping to catch the dazzling reds of autumn, it might be worth checking local forecasts before your visit. However, Goryokaku remains a charming spot to enjoy nature and history, no...

Visiting Goryokaku during the sakura season was one of the most breathtaking experiences we've ever had. The historic star-shaped fort, already rich in atmosphere, transforms into something utterly magical in spring. The entire grounds are blanketed with old cherry trees, all in full bloom — creating a dreamlike landscape that truly feels like stepping into another world.

Walking beneath the blossoms, watching petals dance with the wind, and finding quiet moments to sit under the trees was both peaceful and surreal. It’s the kind of beauty that stays with you long after you leave.

If you are in Hokkaido during sakura season, a visit to Goryokaku’s grounds is an essential, almost otherworldly experience — a moment suspended in time and...