Appreciate captivating views of Goryokaku Fort and its surrounding park and the Hakodate city skyline from Goryokaku Tower, a tall observation tower next to the city’s famous fortress. Visit this impressive sightseeing structure and admire its modern design. Enjoy fantastic views across the city to outlying mountain ranges and coastlines.
The tower is 351 feet (107 meters) tall and has a double-story observation deck. Visit the ground floor to experience the sunlit and airy atrium, filled with a variety of flora. Take the elevator to the first observation level, which features a see-through floor and beautiful views. From here, spot Mount Hakodate and the Yokotsu Mountain Range. Look directly down on Fort Goryokaku and admire its stunning star-shaped design, lush gardens and pretty cherry blossoms in spring.
With the right conditions, you might also be able to see the distant Shimokita Peninsula and Tsugaru Peninsula in the Aomori prefecture, over the Tsugaru Strait. Stay for a while to gaze out at the surrounding panorama. The observation deck’s late opening hours allow visitors to enjoy a stunning sunset from this commanding position.
Head up to the second story of the observation deck to check out the Goryokaku History Corridor and learn about the heritage of the city and the tower. Informative displays point out different historical sites throughout the city.
Goryokaku Tower is located in Hakodate, within the Hokkaido prefecture. The observation deck is open daily until late in the evening year-round. Students enjoy discounted admission to the observation decks. Combine your visit to Goryokaku Tower with a trip to Fort Goryokaku, a historic military fort and former administrative office for Hokkaido. Wander around the fort’s beautiful gardens and moat promenades. Reach the area by catching a 10-minute tram from Hakodate Station to Goryokaku Koen Mae and walking for an additional 15 minutes.
