What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How long does this tour take?

This tour lasts approximately 2 hours and a half.

Hakodate: Goryokaku Star Fort & Tower Guided History Tour

Q: Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: The meeting point is in front of the Hakodate Tourist Information Center. Your guide will be waiting with a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details..

★★★★★ 5.0

2 hours and a half

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Overview

Explore Japan’s rich history on this guided tour of Goryokaku, Japan’s first Western-style star fort, and the Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate. Discover the significance of the fort during the Boshin War and witness the unique architecture that symbolizes Japan’s modernization. Stroll through Goryokaku Park, encounter historical artifacts like the Krupp and Blakely cannons, and visit the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate’s Office. The tour culminates with a visit to the Goryokaku Tower, where stunning panoramic views await. Choose from two options based on your convenience, with everything arranged for you to enjoy a hassle-free experience.

- Guided exploration of Goryokaku and Goryokaku Tower
- Insightful commentary from a knowledgeable local expert
- Two tour options: meet at Goryokaku or start at Hakodate Station
- Panoramic views from the tower and rich historical context included

Gallery

Hakodate: Goryokaku Star Fort & Tower Guided History Tour — photo 1

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What's Included

✓ Included

Stories and insights from a knowledgeable local guide
Guided tour of Goryokaku and Goryokaku Tower
Access to Goryokaku Tower observation deck

✗ Not Included

Food and drinks
Transportation to the meeting point

Itinerary

Stop 1

Goryokaku is Japan’s first Western-style star fort, built in the 19th century to defend Hakodate. Its five-pointed design symbolized Japan’s modernization and later became the stage of the Hakodate War, the last battle of the Boshin War. Today, it is a park where visitors can walk the grounds, see historical cannons, and admire cherry blossoms surrounding the star-shaped fortress each spring.

Stop 2

At the heart of the fort lies the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, once the regional government headquarters of the shogunate. Rebuilt using traditional techniques, it offers a glimpse into the politics, culture, and architecture of the late Edo period. Inside, visitors can see administrative chambers, exhibits on daily life, and learn how Hakodate played a key role in Japan’s opening to the world.

Stop 3

The Goryokaku Tower, standing 107 meters tall, offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the entire star-shaped fort. From the observation deck, you can appreciate the geometric beauty of Goryokaku and enjoy seasonal scenery—from cherry blossoms to snowy landscapes. Exhibits inside explain the fort’s history and the Hakodate War, making the tower the perfect complement to a walk through the park.

Meeting & End Point

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Meeting Point

The meeting point is in front of the Hakodate Tourist Information Center. Your guide will be waiting with a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.

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End Point

The tour concludes at Goryokaku Tower, where you can easily continue on to central Hakodate and beyond using the streetcar or other transport.