JAPAN TRAVEL: Fort Goryokaku in Hakodate, A Historical Star-Shaped Citadel
As one of Hakodate’s highlight attractions, this star-shaped citadel called Fort Goryokaku is not just for made for viewing pleasure—it holds importance in the city’s history as it was strategically built in 1864 to reduce blind spots in gun battles for defense. 50 years later, it opened as a park, that is now being enjoyed as a sightseeing destination in Hakodate.
The star-shaped Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate, Japan
Cherry blossoms adorn the park each spring
The 107-meter tall Goryokaku Tower that provides a view of the fort, Shimokita Peninsula and Tsugaru Peninsula
To get the best vista, a two-floor observatory is located at the Goryokaku Tower where you can get a bird’s eye view of the fort. It’s most especially breathtaking during spring as over a thousand cherry blossom trees fill the view. It’s also stunning with autumn foliage, and even at winter when it’s covered with snow.
Filipino TV personality Robi Domingo enjoying springtime in Goryokaku Park
How to go here:
Take the Hakodate bus and get off at Goryokaky Koen Iriguchi Bus Stop. From there, it is a 7-minute walk to the fort.
DETAILS
Best time to visit: Spring, Autumn, or Winter
Address: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
Operating Hours: April 21 to October 20: 8 am to 7 pm; October 21 to April 20: 9 am to 6 pm.
Admission Fees: (for the tower) ¥900 for Adults, ¥680 for Junior and High School Students, and ¥450 for Elementary Students. Children 5 y/o and below are free of charge.
Website: http://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/html/index/en.html
TEL: +81=138-51-4785
This first appeared on Philippine Primer magazine Vol. 34 – January 2019 issue.
Written by Jastine Valeriano
