Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park, situated in the center of Hakodate, is the first Western-style castle in Japan and a national special historic site. Its special star-shaped design is very eye-catching, and it has 1,500 cherry blossom trees, making it one of Hakodate's famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Therefore, almost all tourists who come to Hakodate will not miss this place. In addition, it is the filming location of Detective Conan's movie “The Million-dollar Pentagram,” attracting countless fans of Detective Conan.

Cherry blossoms in Goryokaku Park

Historical Relics of the Hakodate War

The Goryokaku Park, built in 1864, was the historical stage of the famous “Hakodate War.” In the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was changed into a training ground for the Japanese Imperial Army, and in 1914, it was transformed into a park and opened to the public. The Hakodate Magistrate's Office within the park is a building that has survived from the war, and now serves as an exhibition hall where visitors can view weapons, documents, and other relics from the war era.

Best Viewing Spot - Goryokaku Tower

The Goryokaku Tower is 107 meters (351 feet) tall, and the observation deck on the top is 90 meters (295 feet) above ground level. Standing on the observation deck, you can clearly see the star-shaped layout of the park and have a panoramic view of the entire Hakodate. And a small model is displayed on the top floor to introduce visitors to the history of the Hakodate War.

Tickets:

Tickets	Adult	Children below 6
General admission	JPY1,000	Free of charge
Group with 30 or more members	JPY900

Note: Observation ticket sales end at 17:50.

Opening hours: 09:00-18:00

People wearing kimonos in Goryokaku Park

A Visual Feast - Pink Cherry Blossom Pond in the Shape of a Star

Many of the cherry blossom trees in the park were planted when the park first opened to the public in 1914. Every year in late April, the park with about 1,500 cherry blossom trees turns into a sea of pink. The park's unique shape makes the cherry blossoms into a huge, fantastic five-pointed star flower pond. When the petals of the cherry blossoms fall, the moat will turn pink. After sunset, the lights on the cherry trees will light up, and it is really romantic to sit under the cherry trees with friends and have a picnic.

Special Events in Goryokaku Park

1. The Dream of the Pentagonal Star – Winter Light Show

※Event Dates: December to February
※Lighting Hours: Sunset - 22:00

Over 2,000 colorful lights are used to decorate the 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) moat around the park, and the light distribution and snowy scenery make the park look like a brilliant five-pointed star, adding to the charming nighttime scenery of the Goryokaku Park.

2. Hakodate Goryokaku Festival

※Event Dates: The third weekend of every May

Goryokaku Park was the stage of the Hakodate War, and the victory of the war marked the emergence of modern Japan. To commemorate this historical event, Hakodate holds the Hakodate Goryokaku Festival every year to mourn the fallen soldiers. Citizens dress up as soldiers to recreate a historical scene of participating in the “opening ceremony.”

3. Accordion Performance

※Event Dates: Weekends and holidays
※Performance times: 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00 each day, about 15 minutes per performance.

It must be a nice experience to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park while listening to the pleasant music of the accordion. If you are interested, you can also play it by yourself.

How to Get to Goryokaku Park

By bus

Take the bus and get off at Goryokaku-Koen-Mae, walk about 400 meters (440 yards) north, turn right, walk about 450 meters (490 yards) to Goryokaku Park, which takes about 15 minutes.

By Japan Railway

Take JR Line 2 or Line 5 to Goryokaku-Koen-Mae, then walk about 15 minutes from the station to Goryokaku Park.

By taxi

Goryokaku Park is an 11-minute taxi ride from Hakodate Station.

Opening hours	April to October: 5:00-19:00 November to March: 5:00-18:00
Admission fee	Free admission
Recommended tour time	1 - 2 hours

Nearby Attraction

Hakodate Museum of Art, Hokkaido

The Hakodate Museum of Art is located on the south side of Goryokaku Park and mainly displays 1,000 works of sculpture, calligraphy, painting, etc. by modern artists related to southern Hokkaido.