Fort Goryokaku

Fort Goryokaku (五稜郭, Goryōkaku) is a historic star-shaped citadel, originally constructed in the final years of the Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Hakodate from potential Western imperialist threats. Shortly after its completion, the fort became a key battleground during the Boshin War, where the forces of the Tokugawa shogunate clashed with the newly established Meiji government. Following its military use, the fort lost its strategic importance and was converted into a public park in the 1910s. Today, Fort Goryokaku is renowned as one of Hokkaido’s prime cherry blossom viewing spots, with over 1,000 cherry trees lining the moats. The peak bloom season typically occurs in early May, drawing visitors who come to enjoy the breathtaking sight of the fort surrounded by vibrant pink blossoms.

In the center of the fort lies the Former Magistrate Office, the historic building where officers of the shogunate once governed Hokkaido. Though the original structure was demolished in 1871, a portion of the building was carefully reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2010. For visitors seeking a stunning aerial view of the fort, the Goryokaku Tower provides a 107-meter high observation platform, offering sweeping panoramic vistas of the citadel's distinctive star shape. From the tower, guests can appreciate the full scale of the fort's design and the surrounding parkland, making it one of the best spots for photos in the city.