2026 Goryokaku Tower Guide: An Aerial View of Hakodate’s Must-Visit Star Fort
Goryokaku Tower is a 107-meter observation tower overlooking Goryokaku Park, Hakodate’s famous star-shaped fortress. Located in Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, it offers something different in every season and is a must on any independent trip to Hakodate.
Goryokaku Tower and Goryokaku Park: The Sky-High Vantage Point over the Star Fort
Goryokaku Tower opened its second-generation tower in 2006. At 107 meters tall, it is the only place from which you can see the full star-shaped moat outline of Goryokaku Park. The tower itself is shaped like a five-pointed star to echo the park, and you must go up to the observation deck to appreciate the star design.
It suits first-time independent travelers to Hakodate, history fans, photographers who love cherry blossoms and snow, and families looking for a half-day plan. Going up the tower alone takes about 30-45 minutes; with a walk in the park and Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It is the easiest core attraction to fit into a Hakodate day trip.
Goryokaku Park Through the Seasons: From a Sea of Pink to a Snow-White Star
Goryokaku Park has about 1,600 cherry trees (mainly Somei Yoshino). When they bloom from late April to early May, the park looks like a giant pink star from the tower, making it one of Hokkaido’s most magnificent cherry blossom spots and a popular picnic spot for Hakodate residents.
In summer the park is lush green and the moat reflections are clear; in autumn the maple reds and ginkgo yellows layer distinctly; in winter the moat freezes and snow settles, and the star outline stands out sharply against the white, a location photographers want to return to in every season.
Goryokaku Star Dream Illumination: A Winter-Only Festival of Starlight
From early December to late February, Goryokaku Park holds the Goryokaku Star Dream (Goryokaku Hoshi no Yume) illumination. About 2,000 bulbs light up along the roughly 1.8-kilometer perimeter of the Goryokaku outline, and seen from the tower the whole park becomes a glowing star, one of the most representative night events in Hakodate in winter.
During the illumination period, go up the tower before evening to capture the snowy daytime scene, the sunset and the night lights all in one visit.
How to Get to Goryokaku Tower: Transport Options and Costs
Goryokaku Tower is at 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, and is a must-visit for every Hakodate trip. There are many ways to get there, whether by streetcar, bus, driving or taxi, and here are the actual fares and tips to help you plan and save time and money.
Transport at a Glance: Streetcar, Bus, Taxi or Driving?
From Hakodate Station take the Hakodate streetcar to Goryokaku Koen-mae stop. It costs ¥230 one way from Hakodate Ekimae and takes about 16 minutes, then it is about a 10-minute walk. Pay by coin on board, so carry change.
Take a Hakodate Bus toward Goryokaku; fares start at about ¥230, and some departures go straight to the tower, suiting those with luggage.
With large luggage or a group, take a taxi, about ¥1,500-2,000 and around 10 minutes.
Drivers should park in a nearby paid car park. According to the Goryokaku Tower website, there is no regular private-car parking next to the tower; nearby paid car parks charge ¥200 for the first hour, then ¥100 per 30 minutes.
Must-See Spots for Goryokaku Tower: Highlights Inside, Outside and Nearby
Here are the best places to visit in and around Goryokaku Tower, along with popular restaurants.
Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck: Two Levels Overlooking the Star-Shaped Moat
The tower is 107 meters tall, and the observation deck has Observation Level 2 (90 meters) and Observation Level 1 (86 meters). The elevator goes first to level 2, and you board the return from level 1. Both levels offer 360-degree views of the star-shaped Goryokaku site, Mount Hakodate and Mount Yokotsu, and on clear days you can see the Shimokita and Tsugaru peninsulas; level 1 has a see-through floor looking down to the ground, plus a shop and a cafe stand.
Level 2 has the Goryokaku History Corridor, with a 1/250 restoration model, a 16-scene diorama and historical materials. A visit takes about 30-45 minutes, and going up in the late afternoon lets you see the day, sunset and night views.
Goryokaku History Corridor and the Hijikata Toshizo Statue: Witness to the Shinsengumi’s Last Battlefield
The History Corridor on Observation Level 2 (90 meters) holds a three-dimensional figure of Hijikata Toshizo, a famous commander of the late Edo shogunate, with explanatory signs, recreating the history of the Shinsengumi’s fight here during the Hakodate War and their final heroic sacrifice.
For history fans, this is the corner of the tower most worth lingering over. The detailed models show how the fortress was attacked and defended, and combined with the real star-shaped moat outside the window, you get a more vivid sense of the fortress’s military value and Hijikata Toshizo’s last stand.
Goryokaku Park: Japan’s First Western-Style Star Fort
Goryokaku Park is Japan’s first Western-style star fortress, built at the end of the Edo shogunate and completed in 1864 (Genji 1) after seven years. Its five-point design comes from European bastion fortifications and effectively eliminated blind spots for fire.
The park itself is free to visit and open to stroll in all year. According to the managing body, the Hakodate Housing and Urban Facilities Public Corporation, the park is open all day, but the “inside the walls” area within the moat has opening hours: 5:00-19:00 from April to October and 5:00-18:00 from November to March. The path around the star-shaped moat takes about 30-40 minutes to walk.
Hakodate Magistrate’s Office: A One-Third-Scale Reconstruction of the Late-Edo Government Office
The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office (Hakodate Bugyosho) is the historic core of Goryokaku Park, a one-third-scale reconstruction of the late-Edo government building based on historical records, with exhibits of the office spaces and daily-life artifacts of the time. Admission is bought separately: adults ¥500, students and children ¥250, open 9:00-18:00 from April to October and 9:00-17:00 from November to March.
A walk through takes about 30 minutes and suits visitors who like the late-Edo period history; it is the only facility in Goryokaku Park that charges for entry.
Mount Hakodate: Hokkaido’s Number One Million-Dollar Night View
Mount Hakodate is 334 meters high, and the summit observatory overlooks Hakodate’s distinctive sandbar-shaped night view, which ranks alongside Hong Kong and Naples as one of the world’s three great night views. The ropeway takes about 3 minutes one way, with a round trip of ¥1,800 for adults, a classic stop to add after your Goryokaku Tower visit.
Go after 7 p.m. and expect a wait in line. It is colder at the summit, so bring a warm coat in winter. Visibility is best on clear days, when you can clearly see the lights on both sides of Hakodate Bay interweaving.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse: A Harborside Shopping Area Converted from Meiji-Era Warehouses
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a group of Meiji-era red brick warehouses left on Hakodate’s harbor, converted into shops, restaurants and performance space while keeping a nostalgic port-town atmosphere. It is an essential stop on a Hakodate historical walk and a popular spot for the harbor night view.
The warehouses sell Hokkaido souvenirs, glass crafts and processed seafood, and some shops extend their hours on weekend nights. It fits well after your Goryokaku Tower visit and gives a taste of Hakodate’s exotic port-town character.
Hakodate Morning Market: A Local Market with Seafood Straight from the Boat at Dawn
The Hakodate Morning Market is right next to JR Hakodate Station and opens at 5 a.m. every day, with many fresh seafood and produce stalls. The most famous item is the kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) made on the spot.
The market has several kaisendon specialists, where you can pick your favorite ingredients to build your own bowl. Arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid crowds; it is the best morning stop when planning a Hakodate day trip.
Hachimanzaka: Hakodate’s Most Photogenic Slope Street
Hachimanzaka is a famous straight slope in western Hakodate running down to the harbor. At its end it faces Hakodate Port and the Tsugaru Strait, with open views and little traffic on clear days. It is a classic Hakodate photo landmark and often appears in tourism promotions and films.
Go on a weekday morning or before evening, when the light is soft and fewer people are around, for a clean composition. The Western-style houses on both sides are also worth a look, and it is a key point on the walking route linking the Motomachi churches.
Yunokawa Onsen: Hakodate’s Oldest Hot Spring Town
Yunokawa Onsen is one of Hakodate’s oldest hot spring areas, right next to Hakodate Airport and the coast, with several onsen ryokan and day-use bath facilities. It suits a soak after your Goryokaku Tower visit to ease a whole day of travel fatigue.
Some inns have open-air baths overlooking the Tsugaru Strait, and soaking in the snowy scenery in winter is special. Many travelers also stay overnight here as the last stop of their Hakodate trip and fly home from the airport the next day.
Lucky Pierrot Goryokaku Branch: Hakodate’s Original Local Fast-Food Chain
Lucky Pierrot is a well-known local fast-food chain in Hakodate. The Goryokaku branch is at 30-14 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, open 9:30 to 22:00, and its signature Chinese Chicken Burger and Fried Chicken Omurice come in generous portions that families love.
The decor is colorful and playful, and this is a Hakodate-only local brand you cannot eat in other cities. Fit it in as lunch or dinner with your Goryokaku Tower trip to experience everyday local casual food culture.
Genghis Khan Daikokuya Hakodate Goryokaku Branch: A Famous Hokkaido Lamb Grill
Asahikawa Genghis Khan Daikokuya Hakodate Goryokaku Branch is at 23-5 Hon-cho, Hakodate, open 16:00 to 23:30 (last order 23:00), and serves six cuts of lamb, one way to try Hokkaido’s Genghis Khan grilled lamb.
It opens from the late afternoon, suiting a group of friends or a family meal; avoid weekend evening peaks to prevent a long wait.
Hakotaro Goryokaku Park Branch: A Famous Conveyor-Belt Sushi Place with Generous Toppings and Less Rice
Hakotaro is a popular local conveyor-belt sushi chain in Hakodate. The Goryokaku Park branch emphasizes large toppings and less rice, with fresh ingredients and hearty nigiri, and prices are friendlier than restaurants in the city’s tourist areas, well liked by locals and travelers alike.
There is plenty of seating and fast turnover. Avoid the midday and evening peaks; the lunch sets are good value and fit before or after your Goryokaku Tower visit.
IZAKAYA HAKOYA: A Seafood Izakaya Locals Love, Next to Goryokaku Tower
IZAKAYA HAKOYA is near Goryokaku Tower at 30-10 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, open 6:00 to 23:00, closed Sundays. It specializes in seafood rice bowls, with the signature Irokoro-don, and is also a choice for an evening drink.
Being so close to Goryokaku Tower, it is perfect for climbing the tower by day and walking over for dinner in the evening, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a Hakodate local izakaya and fresh seafood.
Rokkatei Goryokaku Branch: A Specialist in Hokkaido Sweets Souvenirs
Rokkatei is a leading Hokkaido sweets brand. The Goryokaku branch sells the classic Butter Raisin Sandwich and chocolate-coated potato chips, making it a good place to buy souvenirs, and is open about 9:30 to 18:00, adjusted by season.
The shop is spacious and bright, and some branches have a seating area for eating sweets and coffee in. It fits after your Goryokaku Tower visit as a stop to buy Hokkaido treats to give on your return.
How Much Does Goryokaku Tower Cost? Tickets and Guided Tours
When planning your Goryokaku Tower visit, how to buy the best-value ticket is one of the questions visitors care about most. Goryokaku Tower is at 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, with observation decks at 86 and 90 meters above ground, the classic angle for overlooking the whole five-pointed star fortress. Crowds on the tower rise noticeably in the cherry blossom season from late April to early May and the autumn color season in mid-to-late October, so book e-tickets or package tours in advance on platforms such as KKday and Klook. Besides skipping the queue, they are usually a bit cheaper than buying on site. Below are the most common and best-value ways to buy tickets and tour, so you can choose what suits your pace and budget.
Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: The Most Basic and Flexible Way Up
Observation deck admission: adults ¥1,200, junior and senior high school students ¥900, elementary school students ¥600. Open every day 9:00-18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:50); this may change during Golden Week, so check the official website. Advance tickets are available at convenience stores at a lower price than on-site tickets, and in peak season you can go straight to the elevator queue, which suits busy times.
Start with the first-floor souvenir area and the history exhibit area, then take the elevator to the observation deck. The whole visit takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour and suits independent travelers who want a flexible schedule.
Mount Hakodate Ropeway Fares and Hours: A Night View Plan After Goryokaku Tower
The Mount Hakodate ropeway takes about 3 minutes one way. Adults pay ¥1,800 round trip or ¥1,200 one way, and children ¥900 round trip. From April 20 to September 30 the last ascent is 21:30, and from October 1 to April 19 the last ascent is 20:30, with the first departure at 10:00 every day. Cars run about every 15 minutes, increased to every 5 to 10 minutes when crowded, and you can pay by credit card, transport IC card and mobile payment.
Hakodate Streetcar One-Day Pass: A Transport Option Linking Goryokaku and Mount Hakodate
The Hakodate streetcar one-day pass costs ¥800 for adults and covers the whole streetcar network that day. From Hakodate Ekimae to Goryokaku Koen-mae costs ¥230 one way, so four or more rides in a day beats paying per ride, and it suits you even better if your plan includes the Mount Hakodate ropeway station and the Motomachi area. Passes can be bought from the conductor on board, at the Hakodate Bus information office in front of Hakodate Station, and at some convenience stores.
Where to Stay Near Goryokaku Tower: Accommodation Suggestions
Accommodation Near Goryokaku: The Station and the Park-Front Area Are the Top Choices
Near Goryokaku Koen-mae Station are hotels such as Hakodate Mystays Goryokaku, about 11-16 minutes’ walk from Goryokaku Tower. They suit travelers who want to stroll to the park at leisure in the morning and evening and avoid peak tourist hours, and there are supermarkets and drugstores nearby for supplies.
If your itinerary also includes the Mount Hakodate night view, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse or the Hakodate Morning Market, you can also consider staying near Hakodate Station or Jujigai, from where the streetcar to Goryokaku Koen-mae takes about 15-20 minutes, giving more flexible travel and suiting travelers planning a multi-day, in-depth Hakodate trip.
FAQ
Q: How much is a Goryokaku Tower ticket?
According to the Goryokaku Tower website, observation tickets are ¥1,200 for adults, ¥900 for junior and senior high school students and ¥600 for elementary school students, with children not yet in elementary school free; holders of a disability certificate pay half price (applies to the holder and one companion). Advance tickets can also be bought at convenience stores.
Q: What are Goryokaku Tower’s opening hours?
Open every day of the year, 09:00 to 18:00 (observation tickets stop selling at 17:50), and this may change during periods such as Golden Week. The area inside the walls of Goryokaku Park below the tower is open 5:00-19:00 from April to October and 5:00-18:00 from November to March, so check the announcement for the day before you go.
Q: What is the easiest way to get to Goryokaku Tower?
Take the Hakodate streetcar to Goryokaku Koen-mae stop and walk about 10 minutes; you can also take a Hakodate Bus to the Goryokaku Tower-mae stop, from where it is a short walk.
Do I have to climb stairs at the Goryokaku Tower observation deck?
The normal route is to take the elevator straight to Observation Level 2 at 90 meters, then walk a short flight of stairs down to Level 1 at 86 meters and take the elevator down. Visitors who need help can tell a staff member, who will take them by elevator to the floor they want.
Q: When is the best season to visit Goryokaku Tower?
Cherry blossoms from late April to early May and the Goryokaku Star Dream illumination from December to February are the most popular. For both, plan early and avoid the long-weekend crowds.
Q: Does Goryokaku Park itself charge admission?
Goryokaku Park itself is free; only going up the Goryokaku Tower observation deck and entering the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office require separate tickets.
The park’s inside-the-walls hours are 5:00-19:00 from April to October and 5:00-18:00 from November to March.
Q: How long should I spend at the Goryokaku Tower observation deck?
Just the observation deck takes about 30-45 minutes. With a walk in Goryokaku Park below and the Magistrate’s Office, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours to be comfortable.
A walk through the Magistrate’s Office takes about 30 minutes.
