Orders

Goryokaku Tower

Name: Goryokaku Tower
Address: 43-9 Goryōkakuchō, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (200)・Observation Deck・Tourist Attraction・Museum・Store・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Goryokaku Tower stands as a majestic beacon in Hakodate, offering a unique vantage point over the historical and scenic beauty of Hokkaido. This 107-meter-high tower is not just an observation deck; it's a window to the past and a showcase of breathtaking vistas. From its upper floors, visitors are treated to a panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort below, a sight that beautifully blends architectural ingenuity with natural elegance.

Constructed to provide a full perspective of the fort's distinctive design, Goryokaku Tower also offers glimpses of Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and the Yokotsu mountain range, painting a picture so vast and varied it captivates every onlooker. Inside, the tower is rich with history, telling tales of the fortress built between 1857 and 1864, a pivotal period in Japan's transition towards modernization.

But Goryokaku Tower is more than just a lookout. It hosts souvenir shops brimming with local crafts and delicacies, making it a cultural hub as well as a tourist attraction. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a spectacular view, Goryokaku Tower promises an experience that's both enlightening and visually stunning.

Hours:

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Entry until 5:30 PM)

Closed:

Open daily, with occasional closures for maintenance

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Adults: 1000 yen

High school students: 750 yen

Elementary/Junior high school students: 500 yen

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phone

+81 138-51-4785

Website

www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp

The area

Address

43-9 Goryōkakuchō, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan

Top ways to experience Goryokaku Tower

8hrs

Hakodate Day Tour: Explore with a Local via Public Transport

From $485 /person

4hrs

Half-Day Hakodate Exploration - Guided Tour by Private Taxi

From $545 /person

8hrs

Private Hakodate Nature Tour with a Local Guide

From $498 /person

What other travelers are saying about Goryokaku Tower

This is probably a good place to visit during the sakura season. Nonetheless, I think it is still worthwhile visiting during the winter season as it offers a different view. You can get here via public transport from the JR Station bus interchange. After visiting the tower, you could take a stroll at the park and enjoy a cone of soft serve! Very relaxing, and you can take a couple of nice candid shots!

Lawrence Wee

Mar 14, 2025

An absolutely gorgeous sight in winter to see the snowy park/fort and all of Hakodate. There was not much of a wait when we went, and it was not an issue getting to the window to take some pictures. The view was incredible. Also, there was a cool, informative small "museum" display up at the observation deck teaching you the history of the park and the fort. The gift shop here is outstanding and there are even some good options to eat or get a snack here as well. Very easy to get to by bus. Definitely stop here on your visit to Hakodate!

Bobby Bevilacqua

Feb 18, 2025

Went in the Winter. The view offers a nice perspective on the Fort and the surrounding landscape. It's a really nice view especially with the snow covering the city. There is a souvenir and ice cream shop at the top of the viewing tower and food stalls at the ground floor

Ivan Chen

Feb 10, 2025

We had the pleasure of visiting Goryokaku Tower twice—first in late winter and then again in spring—and both visits were unforgettable. The tower offers the best views of Goryokaku Fort, Mt. Hakodate, and the entire city, each season showcasing a different but equally stunning perspective. Our first visit, during late winter, allowed us to see the city covered in a blanket of snow. The view of the white landscape was serene and peaceful, offering a unique charm to the cityscape. Our second visit, in spring, was a complete contrast. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, adding a vibrant burst of pink and white around the fort, making the scenery even more magical. Both times were incredible, and Goryokaku Tower provided us with some of the best views in Hokkaido, no matter the season. Whether you visit during the snowy winter or the colorful spring, it's a place that never disappoints, offering picturesque vistas that are perfect for photography and simply appreciating the beauty of the area.

Neil - The Backpack Adventures

Jan 5, 2025

Nothing much at all. Place is small and I went in March where there’s no snow on the floor. So far only see trees without leaves. For us, not worth 1,000 Yen ticket price at this time