Goryokaku Park & Hakodate Goryokaku Festival
Experience Hakodate's History at a Star-Shaped Fortress
Explore nature and history throughout the year at this National Special Historic Site, and experience late Edo-period reenactments every May.
Designated as a National Special Historic Site, Goryokaku was the site of the final battle of the Boshin War, where former shogunate forces fought against the new government. With its five-pointed star-shaped design, the fortress is a rare example of a Western-style citadel in Japan. Inside the park, the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, restored in 2010, introduces visitors to the architecture and history of the late Edo period through exhibits and videos.
Today, Goryokaku is a spacious public park and one of Hakodate's most popular cherry blossom destinations, with around 1,500 trees blooming each spring. Rowing boats on the moat offer a unique way to enjoy the blossoms, while evening illuminations create a different atmosphere after dark. The adjacent Goryokaku Tower provides panoramic views of the entire fortress, making it easy to appreciate its distinctive layout.
Seasonal flowers, autumn foliage, and snowy winter scenery make the park attractive year-round. Every May, the Hakodate Goryokaku Festival brings the late Edo period to life through historical reenactments, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Hakodate's past.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- * The event information is based on the dates and content of the most recently held events. Please check the official website for details as the contents are subject to change.
- Category
- Festivals & Traditional Events
- Recommendations for locals from Hokkaido
- Recommendations for non-locals
- Travel Inspiration
- Best for a girls' trip
- Picturesque spots
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Event period
- Hakodate Goryokaku Festival: 2026/5/16-5/17
- Event venue
- Goryokaku Park and surrounding area
- Postal code
- 〒040-0001
- Address
- 北海道函館市五稜郭町44
- Telephone Number
- 0138-31-5505
- Open
- [Inside the park] 5:00-19:00, (Nov.-Mar.) 5:00-18:00
- Prices
- [Facilities in the Kaku] Some facilities are charged.
- Directions
- ●On foot: About 15 minutes from Goryokaku Koen-mae tram stop
●By car: About 15 minutes from JR Hakodate Station - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
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