Goryokaku fort and tower 五稜郭タワー

Who's the strongest?

It all started in 1854 when the port of Hakodate opened up to foreigners , and a year later the French battleship Constantine docked there. A French commander teaches construction techniques inspired by the engineer Vauban which will serve as the basis for the construction of the Goryokaku fort. It will be inaugurated in 1866, but will see two years later a final battle take place between supporters of the Tokugawa shogun against the new Meiji government, this marking the end of the Edo period (1603-1868).

The fort of Goryokaku remains, proud and strategic at the same time, like a supervisor of the port of Hakodate and of the territory of Ezo, the old name of Hokkaido, serving as a base for the army .

In 1913, all internal conflict was over and Goryokaku Park opened to the public for strolling. On this occasion, 5,000 cherry trees are planted there for 10 years . There are 1,600 left today, which each spring offer one of the most magnificent spectacles there is when they bloom.

This fort is naturally classified in the heritage of Hokkaido because it is the strong symbol of the history of Japan .

See also: Five places to admire the cherry trees

Alternately observatory

In 1964, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of Goryokaku Fort, a tower was built. 60 meters high , it dominates the fort and offers a beautiful panorama of all the surroundings. But in the 2000s a new project is on the way, this is how the old tower will be destroyed in favor of another even more beautiful and larger , this is the one we know today, high of 107 meters and offering a grandiose panorama, for those who are not afraid of heights.

From this observatory, you have a view of the entire city of Hakodate up to the mountain of the same name which overlooks it, as well as the Tsugaru Strait. The five-pointed star shape is clearly visible when rising above the fort.

You can take the time to admire it all from the café perched up there, and bring back souvenirs bought at the shop. To satiate you in the best way, two restaurants and an ice cream parlor welcome you on the second floor.

Big city tours:

• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Fukuoka
• Kyoto
• Sapporo

As for the events that animate the fort of Goryokaku, let us mention that of the month of May. Since 1970, a big parade features participants in period clothes to remember a glorious past and pass on this memory to new generations. A grand theatrical performance takes place, re-enacting Goryokaku's last battle, complete with weapons and cannon fire .

All year round, a long walking path emerges, on the 1,800 meters of the route around Goryokaku , you will admire the famous cherry blossoms for hanami , or in the colors of autumn during kôyô , without forgetting the whole covered with snow in winter. In summer, the greenery can be appreciated from a boat for a ride on the water of the moat all around the fort.

In 2010, the reconstruction of Hakodate Bugyojo took place, a historical building of surveillance of the port of Hakodate , which was destroyed in 1871 , and rebuilt as at its origin. It has become a history museum (entrance at 500 yen, or 3€80).