Goryōkaku, Hakodate
五稜郭 · Hakodate, Hokkaido
A Western-style star fort: stage of the last battle of the Boshin War, filled with cherry blossom in spring.
Know before you go
- Don't climb the stone walls or earthworks
- in cherry-blossom season don't claim spots under the trees overnight or leave rubbish
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Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The last samurai battle
After the fall of the Edo shogunate, former shogunate forces set up the short-lived 'Republic of Ezo' centred on Goryōkaku. In 1869 the new government's army and the republic fought a final week-long battle here, ending the Boshin War. Hijikata Toshizō, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, was killed in this battle, and a statue of him still stands in Goryōkaku Tower.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Goryōkaku is a star-shaped fort completed in 1866. After the fall of the Edo shogunate it became the centre of the short-lived 'Republic of Ezo' in 1869 and the scene of the last battle of the Boshin War. Hakodate was one of Japan's first ports opened to foreigners, fully open to foreign trade from 1859, and Motomachi still keeps its Western-style buildings.
Local customs
- From Goryōkaku Tower you can see the whole star shape
- the tower displays the history of Hijikata Toshizō and others
Religion & beliefs
- Fortress site
- no religious affiliation.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't climb the stone walls or earthworks
- in cherry-blossom season don't claim spots under the trees overnight or leave rubbish
Locals appreciate DO
- Hakodate people appreciate visitors who link Goryōkaku, Motomachi's Western houses and the Mount Hakodate night view into one day
- cherry-blossom viewing at Goryōkaku is a local spring ritual.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Cherry-blossom season in early May |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 2 hours |
Travel tips
- Take the tram from Hakodate Station and walk
- cherry blossoms are around early May
- go up Mount Hakodate in the evening for the night view
Photos
Photos
Alexander Klink · CC BY 4.0
Keihin nike · CC BY-SA 3.0
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