Exploring Goryokaku: A Scenic and Culinary Journey - Japan Travel Sights

Exploring Goryokaku: A Scenic and Culinary Journey

Goryokaku is a historic site famous for its role in the late Edo period and the Hakodate War.

Today, it serves as Goryokaku Park, a beloved relaxation spot for both locals and tourists.

In spring, it’s renowned for cherry blossoms, attracting many visitors.

The park also offers beautiful greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and enchanting illuminated events in winter, making it a year-round attraction.

Nearby, the Goryokaku Tower observatory provides a stunning view of the star-shaped fort. Enjoy local gourmet food and seafood sushi at the park’s restaurants.

Let’s explore a course that allows you to savor Goryokaku’s seasonal beauty and culinary delights.

Course Highlights:

  • Depart from JR Hakodate Station or Hakodate Airport
  • Enjoy Goryokaku and its gourmet offerings

Getting to Goryokaku from JR Hakodate Station

Take a bus from JR Hakodate Station to Goryokaku. After exiting the station, head towards the bus terminal on your left.

Board the “Route 5: Goryokaku Tower-Trappistine Shuttle Bus (bound for Hakodate Airport)” at platform 4. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the “Goryokaku Tower” stop.

Tips:

  • You can also take the tram to “Goryokaku-Koen-Mae” and walk about 15 minutes to the park.
  • If arriving at Hakodate Airport with light luggage, take the same shuttle bus directly to Goryokaku.

Strolling Through Goryokaku Park

The bus stops right in front of Goryokaku Tower. Head towards the park entrance, and follow the path inside.

The park is surrounded by a moat and features 1,600 cherry trees, making it a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.

If you have extra time, visit the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office in the center of the park.

This historical building, reconstructed in 2010, showcases the administrative functions and architectural style of the late Edo period.

Hakodate Magistrate’s Office

Walking around the outer moat, which takes about 30 minutes, offers picturesque views of the cherry blossoms and the Goryokaku Tower reflected in the water. It’s a great spot for memorable photos.

Enjoying the View from Goryokaku Tower Observatory

Return to Goryokaku Tower and take the elevator to the observatory. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Hakodate, including a bird’s-eye view of the star-shaped fort and the cherry blossoms.

It’s the highlight of this course. You can also purchase unique souvenirs at the shop on the first floor.

Official Goryokaku Tower Website

Note: During peak seasons like cherry blossom time and summer vacations, the tower can be crowded, so plan accordingly.

Savoring Local Cuisine Around Goryokaku

Goryokaku is surrounded by many restaurants offering Hakodate’s famous dishes. Enjoying a meal before or after your park visit is a great way to complete your trip.

When heading back to Hakodate Station, take the Route 5 bus from the same stop you arrived at. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the station.

Acess

Address : 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido, Japan

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