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.
Definitely worth a visit to see Goryokaku Fortress from above. There are special admission rates for children and students.
The history is also explained in detail. There are restaurants and shops inside the tour. I would love to see the park in the Spring with the numerous cherry blossoms.
Worth the visit if you are in the area. Beautiful views from the top of the tower. Multilingual historical information about the fort, city, and star shaped moat. Lots of good merch in the gift shop area. Staff are all very kind and wheelchair rentals are available.
The current Goryokaku Tower, which was rebuilt and opened to the public in 2006, stands approximately 107 meters (about 351 feet) tall.
From the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, the city of Hakodate, and, on clear days, the Tsugaru Strait. During cherry blossom season, the view of over a thousand cherry trees in bloom around the fort is particularly stunning.
Goryokaku Tower is easily accessible by public transportation from Hakodate Station. Visitors can take a tram to Goryokaku-dori Station and walk for about 15 minutes to reach the tower. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near Goryokaku Park, from where the tower is a short walk away.
Goryokaku Tower is equipped with various facilities and services, including souvenir shops, a café, and restrooms. The tower also features exhibits related to the history of Goryokaku Fort and the Hakodate War.
Photography is allowed and encouraged at Goryokaku Tower. The observation deck offers spectacular views that make for excellent photos, especially during the cherry blossom season and sunset hours.
