Goryokaku Tower

We arrived close to closing time (20 minutes before) and made a quick tour of the observatory deck. The view in the evening was beautiful, pictures can't capture its full beauty. There's also some history to read about. Parking (with a fee) is just across the road, but the person in charge did not charge us, probably due to our short visit close to closing time. I would recommend visiting at least once.

On top of this tower is the only way for you to get a complete view of the magnificent Goryokaku (the ninja star shaped castle). Not only that you can also get a view of the Hakodate as it tower offers a panoramic view. The have many exhibits that tells the story and histories of Goryokaku castle that is suited for all ages. It's a must-see if you come to Hakodate, so you shouldn't miss it.

1000¥ per adult to go in tower. Lots of history. The views are beautiful! I wish I could see in the spring! There are gift shop at the top and bottom. The bottom had more items. There are stamps if you are a collector getting a stamp at locations. Signs in Japanese and English.

Bird's eye view of hakodate from goryokaku tower. Followed others advice bought 900 yen ticket from 7-11. There was no queue when I entered. It is autumn going to winter season so the red and yellow hues are less vivid at this time.

Visiting Goryokaku Tower offers a stunning experience, but there are a few aspects that could be improved. The tower is about a 750m walk from the tram stop, despite the stop being named "Front of Goryokaku Tower." It's not too far, but something to keep in mind if you're visiting during winter. We purchased our tickets online, thinking it would save time, but unfortunately, we still had to queue up to exchange them for physical tickets. This process felt outdated, especially for Japan, a country known for its technological advancements and eco-consciousness. It would be great if they streamlined this system to accept digital tickets directly. The queue management also left something to be desired. Individual visitors and large tour groups share the same line, which can create unnecessary delays. Separating these queues would improve efficiency, especially since tour groups naturally require more time to process. However, the highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the view from the top. In winter, the breathtaking scenery of Goryokaku Park blanketed in snow is simply mesmerizing. The star-shaped design of the park and its rich historical significance add a unique charm. Inside the tower, there's a small café on the second floor and a gelato shop that’s worth a stop. The first floor houses the ticket counter, a large souvenir shop, and a few snack stalls for a quick bite. Despite some logistical frustrations, the incredible view and historical significance make Goryokaku Tower a worthwhile visit. Just plan ahead for the queuing and consider skipping the online ticket purchase!