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Goryōkaku Tower

Towers & observation decks ·Hakodate ·Closed
4.22.2K
#5Towers & observation decks in JapanTravelers' Choice 2025
  • from JPY 900
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Goryōkaku Tower

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Why go

  • The star-shaped Goryokaku fort, seen from the 90-metre viewing platform
  • Dioramas inside that tell the story of the Enomoto and Ezo Republic
  • Paintings by Hakodate-born Ueki in the Soetsu Ueki Gallery, themed on kappa water goblins
  • About 1,600 cherry blossoms in spring, seen from the tower

Opening hours

Today09:00 – 17:50Show all
Monday09:00 – 17:50
Tuesday09:00 – 17:50
Wednesday09:00 – 17:50
Thursday09:00 – 17:50
Friday09:00 – 17:50
Saturday09:00 – 17:50
Sunday09:00 – 17:50

What you see

  • Hakodate's cityscape, in the view from the observation deck

Know before you go

  • Open every day, from 09:00 to 17:50.
  • Advance tickets can be bought at participating convenience stores across Japan.
  • Visitors holding an advance ticket go straight to the elevator entrance.
  • In the Soetsu Ueki Gallery, eating, drinking and bringing food in are not allowed.

Best time to visit

  • Spring: about 1,600 cherry blossoms, and the tower is a good place to see them.
  • Spring cherry blossom season: the climb can take at least three hours due to crowds.
  • Summer: the trees are full and green.
  • Autumn: the changing leaves can be enjoyed.
  • Winter: the fort is covered in snow and lit up at night.

Interesting facts5

1/5

  1. The tower's star-shaped section echoes the outline of the fort it overlooks.

    Goryōkaku Tower - Wikipedia

  2. A water-filled moat surrounds the tower.

    Goryōkaku Tower - Wikipedia

  3. Goryokaku, seen from the tower, is designated a national historic site.

    Official Website of Goryokaku Tower

  4. Among yōkai, kappa is one of the creatures most closely linked to water.

    Goryokaku Tower Collection: “Soetsu Ueki Gallery” Now Open 🖼️ | Official Website of Goryokaku Tower

  5. Ueki shows kappa as symbols of satoyama landscapes and water environments.

    Goryokaku Tower Collection: “Soetsu Ueki Gallery” Now Open 🖼️ | Official Website of Goryokaku Tower

Shorts

History

Goryokaku Tower opened beside it in 2006. Inside the tower, the fort's part in the city's history is also explained.

  1. 1864The star-shaped Goryokaku fort was nearly completed.
  2. 2006Goryokaku Tower opened beside the fort.
  3. 2025The permanent Soetsu Ueki Gallery opened to visitors.

How to get there

  • 10 minTramFrom JR Hakodate Station, take the city tram to the stop in front of Goryokaku Park, then walk about 10 minutes.
  • 5 minBusFrom Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, take a bus to the park entrance, then walk 5 minutes.
  • 10 minBusFrom the ferry terminal, take Hakodate Bus No.16 or 16A to the Goryokaku stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
  • ParkingThe tower has no parking for private cars, so drivers use nearby pay parking. By car it is about 32 km.

Sources: Goryōkaku Tower - Wikipedia · Hakodate - Wikivoyage (see) · Official Website of Goryokaku Tower · History of Goryokaku | Official Website of Gory… · Access | Official Website of Goryokaku Tower · Goryokaku Tower Collection: “Soetsu Ueki Galler… · checked 27 Oct 2026

Where
040-0001 43 9, Hakodate

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

What are the opening hours of Goryokaku Tower?

Goryokaku Tower is open every day from 09:00 to 17:50.

How do I get to Goryokaku Tower from Hakodate Station?

From JR Hakodate Station, take a bus to the Goryokaku stop, then walk about 10 minutes. A city tram also stops in front of Goryokaku Park, with about 10 minutes on foot from there.

Can I park at Goryokaku Tower?

The tower has no parking for private cars, so drivers use nearby pay parking.

Can I buy Goryokaku Tower tickets in advance?

Yes. Advance tickets are sold at participating convenience stores across Japan, and holders go straight to the elevator entrance.

Is the Goryokaku Tower observation deck reached by lift?

Yes, a lift serves the observation deck, which looks out over the star-shaped Goryokaku fort.

How long does a visit to Goryokaku Tower take in cherry blossom season?

In cherry blossom season the climb can take at least three hours because of crowds. Spring brings about 1,600 cherry blossoms, and the tower is a good place to see them.

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