Goryokaku Tower

Enjoy sweeping vistas and Hakodate from up high

Hakodate is a city in japan that offers stunning views from its famous Goryokaku Tower. This tower provides visitors with the opportunity to see the entire city of Hakodate spread out before them, offering a truly breathtaking experience. However, it is not just the cityscape that captivates visitors; it is also the view of the star-shaped citadel below that truly catches the eye.

Goryokaku Fort, Japan’s first Western-style fort, was completed in 1864 for the defense of northern Japan. From the top of Goryokaku Tower, visitors can clearly see the fort’s unique star shape. This design was chosen to allow for more gun emplacements and to reduce blind spots that could not be reached by cannon fire. The fort’s star shape is truly impressive and makes for a memorable sight.

The Goryokaku Tower itself is a modern structure that was completed in 2006. Standing at a height of 107 meters, it offers observation floors at 86 and 90 meters, providing visitors with stunning views of Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and the Yokotsu mountain range to the north. The tower also features shops, restaurants, and an exhibition on the upper observation deck, where visitors can learn about the history of Goryokaku.

One of the best times to visit Goryokaku Tower is during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The fort is surrounded by approximately 1,600 cherry trees, which turn the entire citadel pink when in bloom. Goryokaku Park, located nearby, is known as one of Hakodate’s premier spots for cherry blossom viewing. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views from the tower and then join the merry-makers below to fully experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Another recommended time to visit Goryokaku Tower is during the winter months when the fort is illuminated for the Goryokaku Dream Illumination. Visitors can go up the tower after dark between December and February to see the outline of the fort shining brightly as a star. The moat around the fort is lit up with 2,000 lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can also write a wish on a strip of paper and attach it to the Goryo Star Dream Tree, hoping that their dreams will come true. After February, the wishes are dedicated at the Hokkaido Toshogu Shrine.

Goryokaku Park, which has been open to the public since 1914, is a popular spot for picnics among the locals. It offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon with a picnic. The park is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season, but it is also worth visiting at any time of the year.

While in the area, visitors may also want to consider visiting the Hokkaido Hakodate Art Museum, which is a short walk from Goryokaku Tower. The museum features works by renowned Japanese artists Yokoyama Matsusaburo and Miematsu Tanabe, as well as works by Rodin and Renoir. It offers a unique opportunity to appreciate and learn about the art and culture of southern Hokkaido.

Getting to Goryokaku Tower is easy, as it is accessible by tram or bus from Hakodate Station. If traveling by bus, visitors can alight at Goryokaku Koen Iriguchi and walk for seven minutes. By tram, the nearest stop is Goryokaku Koen Mae, and it is a 15-minute walk from there.

In conclusion, Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate, Japan, offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors. From its observation floors, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the city, as well as breathtaking views of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort. Whether visiting during the Cherry Blossom Festival or the Goryokaku Dream Illumination, visitors are sure to be captivated by the beauty and history of this iconic landmark. Additionally, the nearby Goryokaku Park and Hokkaido Hakodate Art Museum offer additional opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the local culture. Overall, a visit to Goryokaku Tower is a must for anyone seeking to experience the beauty and charm of Hakodate.

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