What other travelers are saying about Goryokaku Park
Quite an average place to visit, couldn't really see the star shaped architecture. But if you have time and want to take a leisure walk, this place is great for strolls. Be careful, the paths may be slippery during winter seasons.
Do visit here in December when it snows and they turn on the lights outlining the fort. You'll get a nice view from the tower at sundown. Not much to see in November when I went.
You can also enter the magistrate office in the center for a small fee to immerse yourself in the traditional architecture. It's still under construction as of 2024 but you can still see a good portion of it.
Now I get that they don't want tourists to damage the restoration site, but there was a staff member in uniform following me around the building and watching me closely which I wasn't a fan of.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hokkaido in the spring. The sheer beauty of the cherry blossoms, combined with the park's historic charm, make it a truly unforgettable experience.
What I found most impressive was the sheer number of cherry trees - it's estimated that there are over 10,000 trees within the park! This creates a truly immersive experience, with petals gently falling all around you as you take in the serene atmosphere.
Beyond the cherry blossoms, the park also features several historic buildings and shrines that are well worth exploring. The Goryō Shrine, in particular, is a highlight, with its striking vermilion torii gates and tranquil pond.
It’s a huge park, well maintained, it’s nice to enjoy the day. I don’t recommend you to go to this park in September because there’s a million caterpillars hanging on the trees and sooo many on the ground too. 😬🫣🐛
Definitely a must-visit experience in Hakodate especially during cherry blossom blooms or in the fall. We went in the last week of April and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and it looked absolutely gorgeous!!
There is also an observation deck near the entrance (Goryokaku tower) and I would recommend going up to get a great view of the fort as well as the surrounding city.
Would also recommend staying till after dark as they light up the space with lanterns.
