Audio Guide of Fort Goryokaku

The fort park is open 24 hours a day, but Goryokaku Tower (for the aerial views) is generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The easiest way to get there is to take the tram from Hakodate Station to the 'Goryokaku-Koen-Mae' stop and walk about 10 minutes.

Entry to the park grounds and walking among the cherry trees is completely free. However, to go up to the tower observatory or enter the reconstructed Magistrate's Office, you will need to buy specific tickets at their ticket counters.

We recommend allowing between 90 minutes and 2 hours for the full experience. That will give you enough time to go up the tower for panoramic photos, stroll through the gardens at a relaxed pace, and visit the Magistrate's Office.

It is the first Western-style fort built in Japan and the site of the final battle of the Boshin War. Here, the feudal samurai regime came to an end, marking a crucial turning point in modern Japanese history.

Without a doubt, late April to early May is magical thanks to the more than 1,600 cherry trees in bloom. Alternatively, in winter the 'Hoshi no Yume' illumination takes place, when the star shines over the white snow.

Goryokaku Tower is fully accessible, with elevators and adapted restrooms. The paths inside the park are mostly flat gravel; while they can be used with a wheelchair, some sections may require a little extra effort.

You have to try the famous local chain Lucky Pierrot, located right across the street and known for its unique burgers. You can also visit the Hakodate Museum of Art, just a short walk from the park.

Go up the tower first to understand the defensive geometry, then head down to the park to feel its true scale. To avoid missing the details of the final battle without getting bored reading signs, we recommend bringing an audio guide downloaded to your phone.