Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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1,370 within 3 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
1,426 reviews
Excellent
515
Very good
639
Average
258
Poor
12
Terrible
2
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メロパパ
Yokohama, Japan601 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We cross the bridge and enter Goryokaku Park. Goryokaku Park is the first Western-style castle in Japan, built at the end of the Edo period as an office of the Edo Shogunate to manage Hokkaido and protect it from foreign countries. The "ridge" refers to the corners that protrude from the wall or fortress, and Goryokaku is called Goryokaku because it has five corners. After crossing another bridge, you will see what looks like a gate in front of you. There is a sign for the Hakodate Magistrate's Office on the gatepost. Goryokaku Park refers to the entire grounds of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office. The park is like a castle. It is protected by earthworks and strong stone walls. It is the site of the final battle of the Boshin War between the "old Shogunate army" that supported the "Edo Shogunate" that held power during the Edo period and the "new government army" that took power, the "Hakodate War," and the last place of the Shinsengumi vice-captain "Hijikata Toshizou" who participated in the "old Shogunate army."
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,617 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The star shaped fortress is very cool and we were very excited to visit the area. We spent about 45 minutes walking around the park and enjoying the winter landscape in December. We would say it is worth visiting and if you're interested in learning more about the area you should visit the nearby Goryokaku Tower. The Goryokaku Tower is 1000 yen to go up and offers a great view of the park and provides history and details of the star shaped fortress. There are quite a few restaurants, cafes and convenience stores around the park but we did not see anything open inside the park when we visited in December.
The park itself is free to enter and there are some buildings and facilities on site. Many were closed when we visited in December but we did find a free toilet to use. The park is located about 20 minutes away from Hakodate Station and there are trams and busses that frequent the area. We spent just under two hours in the area checking out the park and the tower.
The park itself is free to enter and there are some buildings and facilities on site. Many were closed when we visited in December but we did find a free toilet to use. The park is located about 20 minutes away from Hakodate Station and there are trams and busses that frequent the area. We spent just under two hours in the area checking out the park and the tower.
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ふれさん
1,037 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
After looking down at Goryokaku Park from the tower, we strolled around the park. The Hakodate Magistrate's Office is in the middle.
You can tour the inside for a fee. The wind was strong and it was difficult to walk all the way around, so we walked half way and exited through the back gate. There were lots of ducks swimming in the moat. Some people were running around the perimeter. There were tree- and reindeer-shaped illuminations in front.
I wonder if it would be pretty at night.
You can tour the inside for a fee. The wind was strong and it was difficult to walk all the way around, so we walked half way and exited through the back gate. There were lots of ducks swimming in the moat. Some people were running around the perimeter. There were tree- and reindeer-shaped illuminations in front.
I wonder if it would be pretty at night.
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quang Kiet Le
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,079 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The park was quite huge but it was an amazing trip for us. It was magically and beautifully covered in light pink by the cherry trees when we were there in late April. Gorgeous view to the tower and park of the city could be seen from the park as well.
Written April 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zhi Xuan
Singapore, Singapore28 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
The most historical monument in Hakodate pre-dating the Meiji Restoration. It is a Vauban-style pentagon-shaped fortress symbolic of the Tokugawa Shogunate's efforts to modernise after the Perry Expedition.
We visited during winter so the only attraction is the Magistrate's Office (which is certainly worth visiting). There's lots of slippery, melted snow on the castle walls so it's not so easy to trek. Might be better to visit during spring.
We visited during winter so the only attraction is the Magistrate's Office (which is certainly worth visiting). There's lots of slippery, melted snow on the castle walls so it's not so easy to trek. Might be better to visit during spring.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YASUHIRO・S
Yokohama, Japan863 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
A walking course around Goryokaku Park, a historic park from the end of the Edo period, takes about an hour. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, the autumn leaves, the snow and illuminations in winter, and more in each season. The best spots for taking photos are Goryokaku Tower and the ruins of Hakodate Government Office. Admission is free, but parking is paid. I would like to see the illuminations in December.
Written September 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill S
Big Bear Lake, CA2,696 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
Goryokaku Fort or park is a National special historic site in Hakodate. I went for the cherry blossoms because they are in full bloom this time of year. Several other attractions there like the observation tower and temple. But if your Following Sakura this is where to be at the end of April.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yukio Y
Musashino, Japan1,001 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
April 25, 2022
1,500 cherry blossoms, beautiful
I was lucky
The taxi driver told me, ``Golden Week is the best time to see them, but this year it looks like they're about a week early.''
I live in Tokyo, but the level is very different from Ueno Park, Sumida Park, and Chidorigafuchi.
1,500 cherry blossoms, beautiful
I was lucky
The taxi driver told me, ``Golden Week is the best time to see them, but this year it looks like they're about a week early.''
I live in Tokyo, but the level is very different from Ueno Park, Sumida Park, and Chidorigafuchi.
Written March 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gypsy5467
Greater Adelaide, Australia4 contributions
Jun 2019
One of the best freebies in the city. Definitely one for those who are historically minded like me. Walking around you almost feel the history happening around you. A great deal of information available for those that wish to really get in to it. Not much in the way of interest for young children, nor are refreshment shops available.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hitoshi K
Machida, Japan6,166 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I've been here before, but I came back again during cherry blossom season. I'd seen it on tourist websites, but seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom there really makes it all the more beautiful. You can see the whole thing from Goryokaku Tower, but it's also nice to walk around the outside of the star-shaped moat and see the cherry blossoms reflected in the moat, which is a nice touch.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Sept a good time to visit Goryokaku Park?
Written June 11, 2019
I think anytime is a good time. It is super cool from the tower and was lovely to stroll around in the heals of snow. I can only imagine the beauty during the Fall.
Written June 11, 2019
五稜郭は再建された奉行所もありますが自転車で入るのをやめて、四稜郭へ自転車で行けばいかがでしょうか？
四稜郭は観光地図にも載っていなくて、ほとんどの人は知りませんが五稜郭と並んで立派な遺跡です。
函館の人も知らないくらいの遺跡ですが、見る人も居ない私の好きなお勧めの場所です。
Written June 11, 2019
Hi I intend to visit Hakodate during our trip to Hokkaido next year (02-08 May). Kindly advise should I visit during the beginning of end of the said period? Any recommendation of hotel for easy access to Goryolaku Park and Mt. Hakodate? Thanks in advance!
Written November 21, 2018
Ww stayed nearby Hakodate bus terminal which is just beside Hakodate train station. You may google for hotels becayse there are many in that area. Take a bus from the terminal to Mount Hakodate. One way is 400 yen. You can use Suica card or pay cash on the bus. Take tram at Hakodate Ekimae for Goryokoku Park. Upon arrival, appx 10 mins walk.
Written November 22, 2018
Hi, thank you for sharing your Goryokaku Park review. I booked a Celebrity Millennium cruise to Hakodate May 10, 2017. I think ship dock is Minatocho. Do you have any suggestion how to get to Goryokaku park/Tower, Motomachi by bus/tram ? thank you.
Written November 7, 2016
We are frequent travelers to Japan and so we can go to the Park by public transportation in accordance with the time frame available. Our cruise "Princess Diamond" provided free transportation from the "port" to the carpark next to Hakodate JR Railway Station. We just took the tram in front of the JR station for a 5 minutes journey (we forget the name of the tram stop, but you can ask the driver by then or see the directory notice on board of the tram) and then have a leisure walk for less than 10 minutes along the main road to the Park. Please rest assured that there are sufficient indicatory signages around the area or you can ask the staff of the Information Office inside the JR Station and obtain a simple map from there before you go by your own. Normally sakura blossoms well by late April to very early May each year in Goryokaku Park but due to global warmth effect, possibly you can still see some cherry flowers there at the time of your visit if you are lucky. We just mention this to you just to remind you of the time you need to allow for returning back to the ship for most of the photo-takers will forget everything when they visit this beautiful sakura park in springtime. Have a nice trip.
Written November 8, 2016
What web site can I go to check out those Sakura Festivals?
Thanks
Written February 27, 2015
Hi, I would like to tell you about the websites, but noticing websites is not allowed in trip advisor, Please check the posting guide line.
But I would tell you about some of the keywords.
"お花見 ohanami", "１０００景 senkei", "２０１５年版 2015 men ban"
Hope it help.
Written February 28, 2015
Where to stay if I want to see cherry blossom in May? Any festival for cherry blossom in Hokkaido ?
Written February 23, 2015
Hi, the best timing for cherry blossom would be from late of April to early of May.
Japan has a lot of Sakura Festivals at that time.
For example, Hakodate Park Sakura Festival, Goryoukaku Sakura Festival, Matsumae Sakura Festival and so on.
I think the best place to stay would be in Hakodate.
You can visit Hakodate Sakura Festival and Matsumae Sakura Festival.
What's more, you can access to Hirosaki Sakura Festival, which will be held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture.
You will be able to go along with the Cherry blossom front if you start journey from Hirosaki to Hakodate.
Thanks for asking me and hope it helps.
Written February 26, 2015
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