Goryokaku Tower, Hakodate

From Goryokaku Tower you can take in sweeping views of Hakodate and the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort below. This soaring 107 m (351 ft) viewing tower is perched at the edge of the historic fort, which was designed in 1855 to protect the territory of the Tokugawa shogunate from Russian invasion. The fort's star shape allowed for better visibility and more gun emplacements. Today, the grounds serve as a park replete with cherry blossom trees. Use the elevators at the entrance hall to reach the two observatory floors, where an exhibition of figurines demonstrates the history of the area. Take a look at our Hakodate travel itinerary planner to schedule your visit to Goryokaku Tower and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.