My name is MAKO
Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido | Born and raised in Obihiro, Hokkaido | Lover of Sapporo Classic beer and fresh sashimi | Passionate about road trips and camping | Always chasing beautiful scenery
Why Is Goryokaku Star-Shaped?
Goryokaku is star-shaped because it was designed as a modern Western-style fort to better defend against attacks.
Today, its unique design and rich history have made it one of Hokkaido’s most famous landmarks and one of Japan’s best cherry blossom spots.
Why You Should Care
Many visitors come to Goryokaku because they have seen its beautiful star shape in aerial photos.
But the real surprise is this:
The shape wasn’t created to look beautiful.
It was created to save lives.
Once you learn why engineers built the fort this way, you’ll never see Goryokaku as just another historic site.
A Fort Unlike Any Other in Japan
When Goryokaku was completed in 1864, it looked completely different from traditional Japanese castles.
Instead of tall stone towers and curved walls, it featured a low, five-pointed star surrounded by wide moats and earthen ramparts.
Its unusual appearance reflected a major change in Japan’s military thinking during the final years of the Edo period.
Why Build a Star Instead of a Castle?
The answer lies in military technology.
By the mid-1800s, powerful cannons had made many traditional castles vulnerable.
High walls were easier to destroy.
Military engineers in Europe had already developed a better solution—the star fort.
The pointed shape reduced blind spots and allowed defenders to protect every wall by firing from multiple directions.
Instead of creating weak corners, each point supported the next.
It was one of the most advanced defensive designs of its time.
Inspired by Europe
Goryokaku was designed by Takeda Ayasaburō, who studied Western military science through Dutch books and foreign knowledge introduced to Japan.
Rather than copying a European fort exactly, he adapted the design to suit Japan’s landscape and needs.
The result became Japan’s first large-scale Western-style fortress.
It symbolized the country’s growing interest in learning from the world while preserving its own identity.
The Influence of Dutch Learning
During Japan’s long period of national isolation, most Western scientific knowledge entered the country through the Netherlands.
This field of study became known as Rangaku, or “Dutch Learning.”
Books on engineering, medicine, astronomy, and military science helped Japanese scholars understand new ideas from Europe.
Without Rangaku, Goryokaku might never have been built.
The Final Battlefield of the Samurai
Although Goryokaku was built for defense, it is remembered today for another reason.
It became the final stronghold during the Battle of Hakodate (1868–1869), the last major conflict of the Boshin War.
After the Tokugawa shogunate collapsed, former shogunate forces retreated to Hokkaido and established the short-lived Republic of Ezo.
Goryokaku became the center of their resistance against the new Meiji government.
The Story of Hijikata Toshizō
One of the most famous figures connected with Goryokaku is Hijikata Toshizō, vice commander of the Shinsengumi.
Known for his discipline and leadership, Hijikata continued fighting even after many battles had been lost.
He was killed during the Battle of Hakodate in 1869, only a short distance from Goryokaku.
Today, many visitors come not only to admire the fort but also to remember the final days of the samurai era.
From Military Fortress to Peaceful Park
After the battles ended, Goryokaku no longer served as a military base.
Instead of being abandoned, it gradually transformed into a public park.
Trees were planted, walking paths were created, and the once-strategic fortress became a place where people could relax and enjoy nature.
Today, visitors stroll through the same grounds where important moments in Japanese history once unfolded.
A New Purpose for an Old Fortress
Goryokaku shows how places can change over time.
What was once built for war is now known for peace, history, and seasonal beauty.
That transformation is one of the reasons Goryokaku continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
Why Goryokaku Is One of Japan’s Best Cherry Blossom Spots
Today, Goryokaku is no longer known as a military fortress.
Instead, it has become one of Hokkaido’s most popular places to enjoy cherry blossoms.
Around 1,500 cherry trees bloom across the park each spring, turning the star-shaped fort into a sea of soft pink.
From the ground, it’s a peaceful place to walk beneath the blossoms.
From above, the entire star seems to bloom.
【Aerial view of Goryokaku Park completely surrounded by pink cherry blossoms on a sunny spring day.】
A Different Beauty in Every Season
Although spring is the most famous season, Goryokaku is beautiful all year round.
- 🌸 Spring: Cherry blossoms cover the park in pink.
- 🌿 Summer: Fresh green trees surround the peaceful moat.
- 🍁 Autumn: Colorful leaves reflect on the water.
- ❄️ Winter: Snow transforms the fort into a quiet white star, and seasonal illuminations add a magical atmosphere.
No matter when you visit, Goryokaku offers a different reason to fall in love with it.
The Best View Is from Goryokaku Tower
If you only walk through the park, you may never realize how perfectly shaped the fort really is.
The best place to understand its design is Goryokaku Tower.
From the observation deck, about 90 meters (295 feet) above the ground, visitors can admire the entire five-pointed star from above.
It is one of the most famous views in Hokkaido and a favorite photo spot for travelers from around the world.
A View That Explains Everything
Standing on the observation deck, the purpose of the star-shaped design suddenly becomes clear.
The wide moats, pointed bastions, and symmetrical layout are easy to recognize from above.
It’s the moment when history and architecture come together in a single unforgettable view.
More Than a Historic Landmark
Goryokaku is more than a place to learn about history.
It is where the end of the samurai era, Western engineering, seasonal beauty, and modern Hakodate all come together.
Families enjoy picnics here.
History lovers follow the footsteps of Hijikata Toshizō.
Photographers wait for the perfect light.
Every visitor finds something different, but everyone leaves with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable place.
A Symbol of Change
Few places in Japan tell such a complete story.
A fort built for war has become a symbol of peace.
A military innovation has become one of the country’s most photographed parks.
The star that once represented defense now welcomes visitors from around the world.
Did You Know?
- ⭐ Goryokaku was Japan’s first large-scale Western-style fortress.
- 🌸 About 1,500 cherry trees bloom in the park every spring.
- 🏯 Despite its appearance, Goryokaku was never intended to be a traditional Japanese castle.
- 👤 Hijikata Toshizō, vice commander of the Shinsengumi, fought his final battle near Goryokaku.
- 👀 The complete star shape can only be fully appreciated from Goryokaku Tower.
FAQ
Why is Goryokaku shaped like a star?
The star-shaped design reduced blind spots and allowed defenders to protect every side of the fort more effectively against cannon attacks.
Is Goryokaku a castle?
No. It is a Western-style fortress built for military defense, not a traditional Japanese castle.
When is the best time to visit Goryokaku?
Spring is the most popular season because of the cherry blossoms, but every season offers a unique view of the park.
Can you walk inside Goryokaku?
Yes. Visitors can freely explore the park, walk along the moats, and visit historical buildings within the grounds.
Is Goryokaku Tower worth visiting?
Absolutely. The observation deck provides the best panoramic view of the entire star-shaped fortress and helps visitors understand its unique design.
Visit It Yourself
Location
Goryokaku Park, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
Best Season
Spring for cherry blossoms, though the park is beautiful throughout the year.
How to Get There
About 15 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station, followed by a short walk. The park is also easily accessible by taxi or bus.
Estimated Visit Time
2–3 hours, including Goryokaku Tower and a walk through the park.
Admission Fee
Entry to Goryokaku Park is free. An admission fee is required for Goryokaku Tower.
Official Website
Please check the official website for the latest information on admission fees, opening hours, and seasonal events（https://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/）.
Final Thoughts
Goryokaku is much more than a beautiful star-shaped park.
It tells the story of a changing Japan, where new ideas from around the world met centuries of tradition.
From its innovative military design to its peaceful gardens filled with cherry blossoms, every corner of Goryokaku reflects a different chapter of Hokkaido’s history.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, samurai history, or simply looking for one of Japan’s most beautiful views, Goryokaku offers an experience you’ll never forget.
Because the star wasn’t created to impress visitors—it was built to protect a nation. Today, it tells a story that continues to inspire people from around the world.
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