Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Tower
4
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers • History Museums
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9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
About
Goryokaku Tower Official Account. View of Mt.Hakodate and the Tsugaru Straits from the observatory. The star-shaped vista that shines on the grounds of Goryokaku Fort, a special historic spot.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
2,169 reviews
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739
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roy v
Traralgon, Australia4,560 contributions
Sep 2022
While recently staying in Hakodate we visited the tower and found out a lot of the history while there, plenty of information boards about.
The viewing area up the top is fantastic, you get terrific photo opportunities as you look out over the city and the port area .
Looking down onto the parkland below where the fort used to be and the last Samurai battles were fought is really special . The top of the tower is the same five corner star shape as the fort was .
A must place to visit
The viewing area up the top is fantastic, you get terrific photo opportunities as you look out over the city and the port area .
Looking down onto the parkland below where the fort used to be and the last Samurai battles were fought is really special . The top of the tower is the same five corner star shape as the fort was .
A must place to visit
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zhi Xuan
Singapore, Singapore6 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
The Goryokaku Tower offers an excellent vantage point to survey the Goryokaku Fortress and the entire Hakodate City. There are cute figurines accompanied by translations to describe the history of the fortress in much greater detail than travel guides. A must visit before heading to the magistrate's office in the fortress.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phale12017
United Kingdom50 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
This attraction is certainly unusual! A star shaped building on top of a very tall tower . On ground level there are interesting shops, coffee bar and snacks. The elevator travels very quickly to the top where the views are terrific! There are interesting models and notices to read and definitely some great photographs to take! The tower is set in amazing gardens which were truly spectacular in autumn. There is also the house of the last Samurai to be seen. Goryokaku Tower and Park are a must!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chek Chuin S
Singapore, Singapore89 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The views were amazing!! So worth the ticket price.
Got here by tram from the train station and walked about 9mins to reach. Due to limited time we did not visit the fort itself. And maybe cause it’s freezing outside. 😂
Got here by tram from the train station and walked about 9mins to reach. Due to limited time we did not visit the fort itself. And maybe cause it’s freezing outside. 😂
Written March 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KCS81
Singapore, Singapore388 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
Besides Mount Hakodate, another interesting place to visit when you are in Hakodate is the Goryokaku Tower. How often do you get to see a star shape park (Goryokaku Park)? The park itself is a beautiful place to visit and have a stroll. I was there in Nov and the weather was very nice (cold). It is apparently a good place to visit during the cherry blossom season, one of the best spot in Hokkaido. Entrance fee is 840 yen per person (adult) and there are souvenir shops for you to purchase souvenir or have some snacks (coffee, Hokkaido ice cream, etc)
How to get there:
Take the street tram to Goryokaku Koen Mae station and walk 15 mins to the tower. It is easy, just follow the signages or ask the locals.
Tips : I would suggest to go there in the morning or afternoon, before it gets dark as the view is clearer and you can enjoy the park.
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How to get there:
Take the street tram to Goryokaku Koen Mae station and walk 15 mins to the tower. It is easy, just follow the signages or ask the locals.
Tips : I would suggest to go there in the morning or afternoon, before it gets dark as the view is clearer and you can enjoy the park.
If you think this review is helpful, please click on the "helpful" button. Many thanks!
Written December 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
unescotravelbug
Wooster, OH4,206 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
This 107 meters high star shaped concrete pillar tower, with two levels of glass encased observatory decks, was built to serve visitors the panoramic views of the star shaped Goryokaku Park below and the broader views of the Hakodate City. There are two deck levels up on the top of this tower. At the Observatory level 1F there are café and souvenir shop, also a see through floor area to view the floors structure below. At the Observatory Level 2F visitors can enjoy 360 degrees views of the star shaped Goryokaku Park at the 107 meters below. The views of the park appearances from above change from season to season. Nevertheless each season exemplifies its unique characters and dramatic changes of the colors: from the contrasts of lush green to snowy white; from pinkish white cherry blossoms to golden yellow, orange and fire red autumn foliages. Other than to gain panoramic seasonal views and photo shots of the Park and City at the top levels there are not other interesting attractions within the tower structure. At the observatory level F2 there are exhibitions on the history of Goryokaku Fort "Goryokaku History Corridor"; a display model of Goryokaku Fort and a bronze statue of Toshizo hijikata, an important military leader who was involved in the Battle of Hakodate and the resistance of the Meiji Restoration.
To reach the observatory levels you must pay entry fees of 900 yens at the ground atrium level ticket counter. It seems a bit expensive just for the purpose of viewing the star shaped park. But it’s the only structural position to see from the nearest elevated point whether it’s worthy of your money or not. If you then have extra time, take a leisure stroll around park’s grounds, especially during the months of spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage changes, it would be worthy of a day trip.
To get there from the bus terminal outside of the Hakodate JR Station, take the bus at bus waiting pavilion #4 where the tourist bus lines are served from to the City’s popular attractions. Look for a standing alone bulletin board at stand #4; it listed the time schedules and en-route stops under Alphabet D bounds for Goryokaku Tower and Park and get off the next stop #02. Bus runs from 8:45a and then twice an hour from 9:15a-2:45p. Your best bargain is to buy a day pass for unlimited rides on city’s busses and trams but do plan out your time to best use of the one day pass’ value. The ticket office is at the end of the bus terminal; staffs there speak well English to help you plan out your visits.
To reach the observatory levels you must pay entry fees of 900 yens at the ground atrium level ticket counter. It seems a bit expensive just for the purpose of viewing the star shaped park. But it’s the only structural position to see from the nearest elevated point whether it’s worthy of your money or not. If you then have extra time, take a leisure stroll around park’s grounds, especially during the months of spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage changes, it would be worthy of a day trip.
To get there from the bus terminal outside of the Hakodate JR Station, take the bus at bus waiting pavilion #4 where the tourist bus lines are served from to the City’s popular attractions. Look for a standing alone bulletin board at stand #4; it listed the time schedules and en-route stops under Alphabet D bounds for Goryokaku Tower and Park and get off the next stop #02. Bus runs from 8:45a and then twice an hour from 9:15a-2:45p. Your best bargain is to buy a day pass for unlimited rides on city’s busses and trams but do plan out your time to best use of the one day pass’ value. The ticket office is at the end of the bus terminal; staffs there speak well English to help you plan out your visits.
Written January 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael M
Melbourne, Australia60 contributions
Jun 2018
Very well run tourist attraction, as are most attractions in Japan. Very busy non stop all the time we were there. Spectacular views in all directions & history of the area. Tourist shop & food outlets very good but expensive.
Written September 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tohxinru
Singapore, Singapore1,317 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
A one-day streetcar pass costs 600 yen, which you can make up for as long as you take 3 or more rides using the streetcar. Take the streetcar to Goryokaku koen mae DY9, then walk for 10 to 15 minutes to the Goryokaku Tower.
The admission fee is 900 yen per adult. There is a mini show in the elevator, narrated in Japanese. The observatory allows you to view the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, though I personally feel the tower is not very tall. There are some display cabinets explaining the history behind the Goryokaku Fort. You can probably spend 30 minutes here.
If you are looking for meal options, apart from the eateries located within the Goryokaku Tower, there is also a Lucky Pierrot branch opposite the Goryokaku Tower.
The admission fee is 900 yen per adult. There is a mini show in the elevator, narrated in Japanese. The observatory allows you to view the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, though I personally feel the tower is not very tall. There are some display cabinets explaining the history behind the Goryokaku Fort. You can probably spend 30 minutes here.
If you are looking for meal options, apart from the eateries located within the Goryokaku Tower, there is also a Lucky Pierrot branch opposite the Goryokaku Tower.
Written June 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LRY4
Pearl City, HI54 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Very nice and reasonable tour to ride the elevator to the top. Up on the top you can Fort Goryokaku and read the history just before the Meiji era. The fort was designed with a water deterrent but it was breached many times. After the war the moat was used to cut block ice and sold in Ttokyo. It was a beautiful 360 view of the city.
Written February 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GMV-GotMyVote
Sydney, Australia1,258 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
We visited Goryokaku Tower because everyone says it is a must-visit tourist spot. We were greeted with a good gift shop right at the entrance, so I ended up buying assorted souvenirs before sightseeing! (A very bad tourist trap spot :)
The weather was a bit cloudy so we decided not to proceed to go up to the tower (there is an admission fee).
If you are into world history and is fluent in Japanese, you will appreciate this place.
五稜郭是日本最後的內戰「箱館戰爭」的舞台，它的獨特的「棱堡」外觀有5個突出的角，呈星狀五角形因此被稱為「五棱郭」，也是日本第一座西式城堡。現在已被指定為國家特別史蹟。
今天天氣並不晴朗，所以就沒上塔眺望。順道往鄰近的著名五稜郭公園賞楓葉。
The weather was a bit cloudy so we decided not to proceed to go up to the tower (there is an admission fee).
If you are into world history and is fluent in Japanese, you will appreciate this place.
五稜郭是日本最後的內戰「箱館戰爭」的舞台，它的獨特的「棱堡」外觀有5個突出的角，呈星狀五角形因此被稱為「五棱郭」，也是日本第一座西式城堡。現在已被指定為國家特別史蹟。
今天天氣並不晴朗，所以就沒上塔眺望。順道往鄰近的著名五稜郭公園賞楓葉。
Written November 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
caseygay
Darwin, Australia21 contributions
Arriving by cruise ship 30th April will we be able to see cherry blossom trees in bloom from the top of the tower. Plus best way to get here from the cruise terminal.
tomizuta1953
Funabashi, Japan1,189 contributions
Just heard on the news that cherry blossoms in Matsumae close to Hakodate has started to bloom. You couldn't have picked a better date!
HiloAmy
Hilo36 contributions
We will be arriving in Hakodate November 2 and would like to visit the following day. Have the trees started changing color yet?We would love to see the autumn foliage.
Michele D
Niseko-cho, Japan42 contributions
Since i left Hakodate in 12 oct,trees started changing colors,so it might probably be.
minerva2387
Singapore, Singapore35 contributions
How do we travel from JR Hakodate to Goryokaku Tower? Thanks in advance.
Spdrmn54
Honolulu, HI57 contributions
The local tram is an inexpensive way to travel to tourist spots in Hakodate. Tram stop #17 is a short 100 meter walk east from the JR Hakodate station. Ride the tram north and exit at stop #9. Walk north towards the Goryokaku observation tower about 1 km to the base of the tower. The entrance to the park is on the north side of the tower base. When you exit tram you can purchase day passes for unlimited riding for the day. Our Hotel was near stop #9 where there are many restaurants and conveyor belt sushi restaurants where you can eat before or after your visit to Goryokaku.
Goryokaku Tower (Hakodate) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Goryokaku Tower
- Goryokaku Tower is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:50 PM
- Hotels near Goryokaku Tower:
- (0.12 mi) Hotel BRS Hakodate Goryokaku Tower Mae
- (0.13 mi) Goryokaku Guesthouse Cocoa
- (0.22 mi) Route Inn Grantia Hakodate Goryokaku
- (0.19 mi) Hakodate Jyujiya Hotel
- (0.39 mi) Hotel Hokke Club Hakodate
- Restaurants near Goryokaku Tower:
- (0.01 mi) Food＆Drink 107
- (0.01 mi) Restaurant Gotoken Hakodate Curry Express Goryokaku Tower
- (0.01 mi) Shunka
- (0.01 mi) Milkissimo, Goryokaku Tower
- (0.11 mi) Rokkatei Goryokaku
- Attractions near Goryokaku Tower:
- (0.01 mi) Battle of Hakodate Memorial Tower
- (0.01 mi) Monument of Tojikata Toshizo
- (0.01 mi) Goryokaku Tower Shop
- (0.09 mi) Hakodate Museum of Art
- (0.14 mi) Goryokaku Park