What other travelers are saying about Goryokaku Tower
We visited Goryokaku Tower on Sunday morning. We reached around 8.40 so had a walk around the park area before heading over to the tower, which opens at 9. The park was huge but was well maintained and worth a walk around. You can visit the magistrate’s building for a fee and have your photos taken in traditional outfits just outside.
There was a queue for the tickets by the time we got there at 9 but the queue moved quickly and soon we got into the lifts to take us to the observation deck. It gave a great view of the fort and the rest of Hakodate. There was also an explanation of the history of the fort, in Japanese, English and Mandarin, which was much appreciated for us non-Japanese speakers.
We spent about 30 mins there before descending to have a melon soft serve at the ground floor cafe and to shop at their souvenir shop. The shop turned out to be quite a highlight for us. We found more items to buy there than at Kanemori warehouse; quality items at reasonable prices so do check it out. I think there were quite a few local visitors so perhaps that’s why the prices were reasonable.
Pretty neat experience. It is a great view from the top but I’m not sure I’d wait longer than a half hour to see it. The line was long when I arrived so I walked through the park first and thankfully the line had died down when I returned. It was nearly closing time so I got right in. Some good information at the top in English as well as Japanese. I’d say worth it overall if you’re in the area!
Great viewpoint of the star fort. We visited on our way to the airport and 1 hour was enough time for the observation deck but we ran out of time to explore the park proper. There is a convenient taxi rank outside the tower exit.
I could not find a way to purchase tickets online via the official site. The queue to purchase was quite long.
We visited at 9.10am on a weekday (10 minutes after opening) and there were large groups of schoolchildren and tour buses. The elevator going up is packed full like sardines but thankfully only about 1 minute long. It was quieter by 10.00am so would recommend arriving later if possible.
Goryōkaku Tower – The best panoramic view of Hakodate’s star-shaped fortress
Goryōkaku Tower is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Hakodate. The tower gives you a stunning, full panoramic view of Goryōkaku Park, Japan’s famous star-shaped fort. Seeing the entire star outline from above is impressive and truly unique — especially on a clear day.
The observation deck is bright, spacious, and well-organised, with plenty of information about Hakodate’s history, the Shinsengumi, and the construction of the fort. The glass windows give a 360-degree view of the city, mountains, and the coastline.
The area around the tower is lovely for walking, especially during cherry blossom season or autumn. There are also cafés, shops, and places to rest, making it easy to enjoy the whole site at a relaxed pace.
A great spot for photos, history lovers, and anyone wanting to appreciate Hakodate from above. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Goryokaku Tower – Hakodate, Hokkaido
A great place to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Hakodate city. From the top, you can clearly see the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and the surrounding cityscape. Well worth a visit for the panoramic view and a glimpse of Hokkaido’s unique history. 🌆⭐️
Late April to early May during cherry blossom season is the most popular period, when the 1,600 cherry trees form a visible pink star pattern from above. Winter offers snow-covered views and occasional illuminations. Weekday mornings have fewer crowds. Clear weather is necessary for optimal views of Mount Hakodate and Tsugaru Strait.
A standard visit takes 30 to 60 minutes, including elevator access to the observation decks, viewing the historical exhibits, and visiting the souvenir shop. Visitors often combine this with a walk through Goryokaku Park below, adding approximately one hour.
No. The pentagonal star design is only visible from an elevated position. The observation decks at 86 and 90 meters provide the necessary height to view the complete geometric pattern, which remains hidden when walking through the park at ground level.
Yes. High-speed elevators eliminate stair climbing to reach the observation decks. Children receive reduced admission rates. The observation floors are enclosed and safe. Note that visitors must walk approximately 15 minutes from Goryokaku-koen-mae tram station to reach the tower entrance.
A ground-floor café offers light refreshments, snacks, and beverages. No full-service restaurant operates within the tower. The surrounding Goryokaku area contains various restaurants serving Hakodate seafood and local cuisine.
