Goryokaku Tower is a symbol of Hakodate.
Many people would probably think, "If I'm going all the way there, I definitely want to stop by..."
With the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Hakodate is more lively than ever and is truly at its peak right now!

So, this time, we went to investigate what kind of attractions can be discovered at Goryokaku Park and Goryokaku Tower!
We hope for your reference.

<Table of Contents>
1. About Goryokaku Park
2. This is what the inside of Goryokaku Tower looks like!
3. Be sure to stop by the Hakodate Magistrate's Office! We'll explain the route with photos♪
4. Facility Information
Final thoughts

As you may know, Goryokaku is a special historical site with a star-shaped pentagon drawn on its grounds.
This area has a rich history that led to the present-day Hakodate, and you can learn about that history at Goryokaku Tower.
One of the joys of traveling is experiencing what's happening in that place, isn't it?

Goryokaku Park is currently open to the public and serves as a place of relaxation that showcases the beauty of each season.
In spring, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, said to have been planted during the Taisho era, bloom magnificently, and in winter, the area is adorned with illuminations titled "Stars of Goryokaku," attracting many visitors.

One of the charms of Goryokaku is that you can enjoy it no matter what time of year you visit.
It's definitely worth taking the time to go!

Now, next up is Goryokaku Tower... what's its main attraction?

Of course, it's not just about the scenery.
So, what exactly is inside? Let me introduce you to its highlights.

Let's start with the details of Goryokaku Tower.
Goryokaku Tower was established on December 1, 1964, and later reopened as a new tower on April 1, 2006.

The total height is 98m, and the observation decks are located at heights of 86m on the first floor and 90m on the second floor, offering panoramic views.
As someone with a fear of heights, I was quite nervous, but in the end, it was "okay" even for someone with a fear of heights.
I was able to tour the place without any worries at all. (This is purely my personal opinion.)

Once you step inside... well, it's just so spacious!
Even if there's a line of other people waiting, it seems to have ample capacity.

And inside the modern building, in the middle of the rounded corner, is the ticket office, adorned with woodblock prints that evoke the late Edo period.

It has quite a presence, and apparently some people who are interested in art make sure to spend some time here before buying tickets.

Of course, you need to buy a ticket to pass through here...
Actually, this ticket is also worth paying attention to.

Some of you may already know this, but apparently there are actually 11 different types of tickets for Goryokaku Tower.
This time it was "Goryokaku in the first snow," and wow, it was beautiful.

Those with a strong collector's spirit will likely find this "ticket collecting" quite appealing.

Now that we've got our tickets, our destination is the observation deck. Finally, we're heading to the elevator...
Then you'll see a familiar face on the wall... That's right, as you may have noticed, Hijikata Toshizo is watching over you from the upper right corner.

From here, you proceed straight to the observation deck, but along the way, there are quite a few things to see, such as the dimly glowing character "誠" (sincerity) and the depiction of Hakodate on the ceiling. You'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the end of the Edo period.

And the moment the elevator doors slid open, the view that came into view made me gasp.
Through the glass, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate city and the Yokotsu mountain range. It's so breathtaking that you forget how high you are.

This tower offers panoramic views in all directions—east, west, north, and south—so, unlike Mount Hakodate, the varied scenery is one of its attractions.
You might get scolded for saying this, but "You can see 360 ​​degrees from any tower!"
Hakodate offers a unique view that includes the sea, mountains, city, and Goryokaku, a symbol of history preserved in the land.

You can also see Goryokaku below, so take photos to your heart's content at the spot that you think is perfect!
For those who love taking photos here, the search for the perfect photo spot begins.
Incidentally, when I conducted the interview, it was March and it was snowing.

Most towers are satisfying after just one climb, but if you can see different scenery depending on the season, such as cherry blossoms in bloom or lush green leaves, you'll be compelled to visit again and again.

Now, what about the wall side? Well, it's right here, right here!
A historical tour that makes excellent use of every inch of space.

This book clearly explains, using four-panel comics and other visual aids, who was involved in what way during the late Edo period and how the times changed.

And here's another amazing thing.
As the history is explained in a chronological order, the key images are surprisingly represented using dioramas.
Moreover, there isn't just one, but several, and the dioramas are so meticulously crafted that you can almost grasp the flow of history just by looking at them.

Want to learn about history but don't have time to read? Want to teach your children but find it difficult to explain? Dioramas can solve all your problems!
I would definitely like you to take your time and look at it carefully.

Many historical figures, such as Commodore Perry and Toshizo Hijikata, will make appearances, so be sure not to miss it.

And if you're feeling a little tired, don't worry! There's a small cafe on the observation deck where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
You don't need to go all the way downstairs. You can enjoy a cup of coffee while gazing at the sea and Mount Hakodate.

If you'd rather sit down and relax, please descend from the observation deck and head to the second floor.
There's a spacious floor with a rest area!

While there isn't a large "food court" with multiple shops lined up, there are famous places like "Milchissimo," a well-known gelato shop in Hakodate, and "Gotoken," famous for its Hakodate curry, so your stomach will definitely be rumbling here...

And when you go down to the first floor, you'll find another array of Hakodate specialties waiting for you.
Even if you're not particularly hungry, many people find themselves reaching for something here.

And on the first floor, there's a large souvenir shop with a wide selection of goods, so you might as well get your souvenirs there...
They also accept mail orders!

In conclusion, Goryokaku Tower offers an easy-to-understand tour of history, stunning views, and opportunities to enjoy Hakodate's local specialties and do some shopping.
Even though it's a tourist attraction, this tower is quite impressive.
*As a bonus, you might even get a rare ticket...

Knowing this place will be extremely helpful when visiting other tourist spots, so I highly recommend visiting it first!
There are also various other events taking place, so please be sure to check them out!

Is the tower the only attraction at Goryokaku? Surely not!
While strolling through the park is lovely, I highly recommend taking the time to visit the Hakodate Magistrate's Office as well.

Here's a description of the route to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office.
For a more detailed article about the magistrate's office, please check here.

First, if you walk with Goryokaku Tower behind you, you will pass a memorial tower for those who died in the Battle of Hakodate.
The Battle of Hakodate, often called Japan's last civil war, has been relocated from near the parking lot when the Goryokaku Tower was built, making it more accessible to the public.

Continuing our trudge along, we came across a stone monument marking the site of Goryokaku Fort at the foot of a bridge!
This is a popular spot for both group and individual commemorative photos.
*At least one is essential here!

Next to the monument, there is an explanation about Goryokaku, so those who are interested may want to stop and read it carefully.

Incidentally, it seems that the usual way to enter Goryokaku is through the main gate, which involves crossing two bridges.
It may look like a long distance, but it actually only takes a few minutes to walk. It's not a distance that would be a chore if you take your time strolling along it.

First, we cross the "Ichinohashi" bridge. Immediately to the right after crossing is the crescent-shaped fort.
You can get a feel for the ideas from that time, wondering if they were really useful.
* Crescent bastion → A protruding rim stone between the city wall and the parapet, designed to prevent it from being directly visible when attacking from the main gate.

Next, we cross the "Ninohashi" bridge.
Currently, there are three bridges, including the Uramon Bridge on the north side, but apparently there were two more back then.
*It is said to have been located on the opposite side of Ichinohashi Bridge and on the northeast side of the enclosure.

The main gate of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office is located at the end of the bridge.
The atmosphere of that time was palpable, and I felt a sense of awe as I passed through...

By the way, when you take a stroll around, be sure to pay attention to the stone walls and moats. I was constantly amazed at how well they were built.
The fruits of technology devised long ago still remain today, being restored and preserved.

And if you go past the wisteria trellis in front of you, you'll reach the magistrate's office...

Yes, that building you see in the center is the Hakodate Magistrate's Office!

If you've come all the way to Goryokaku Park, the Magistrate's Office is a must-see, packed with fascinating sights.
Not only can you experience the romance of the late Edo period, but you can also catch a glimpse of the architectural techniques used to restore the buildings, employing as much of the original wood and other materials as possible!
Please do stop by!

★Articles about the Hakodate Magistrate's Officeherefrom here♪

[Goryokaku Tower]
Address: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City
Telephone number: 0138-51-4785
Hours:
April 21st to October 20th: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
October 21st to April 20th: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
During the Goryosei no Yume period (winter): 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
January 1st (Open for the first sunrise of the year): 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed: Open all year round
Prices: Adults 840 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 630 yen, Elementary School Students 420 yen (all prices are for general admission)
The official website ishereFrom

Final thoughts

What did you think.

Goryokaku, with its tower and park, is a truly wonderful place.
It's so peaceful and overflowing with flowers and greenery that it's often called a "place of relaxation for citizens."

On the other hand, areas that were fierce battlegrounds during the war have become tourist attractions, and the more you learn about them, the more heartbreaking it may become.
But by learning about history, the ordinary daily life we ​​live in during peaceful times might become even more precious.

In any case, there's no doubt that learning about Goryokaku will make you love Hakodate even more.

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