A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Goryokaku

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Goryokaku
2. History of Goryokaku
3. Highlights of Goryokaku
   

Introduction

Goryokaku is Japan’s first Western-style star-shaped fortress, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Its beautiful scenery and rich historical background attract many visitors. Built between 1857 and 1866, it features a distinctive star-shaped design modeled after Fort Bourtange in the Netherlands.

This article provides a detailed introduction to the overview, history, and highlights of Goryokaku. We trace the history of Goryokaku, explain the appeal of its defense system and characteristic star-shaped design, and also touch upon the major spots to visit and seasonal events. We will convey all the charms of Goryokaku and provide detailed information for planning your visit.

Overview of Goryokaku

Goryokaku is Japan’s first Western-style star-shaped fortress, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Built between 1857 and 1866, its distinctive shape was modeled after Fort Bourtange in the Netherlands.

It was constructed by the Edo Shogunate for northern defense and was originally used as the relocation site for the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office. However, just two years after its completion, the Edo Shogunate collapsed, and Goryokaku was subsequently used as a stronghold by the former shogunate forces during the Hakodate War.

Today, it has been open to the public as a park since 1914 and is beloved as a place of relaxation for residents of Hakodate. With approximately 5,000 cherry trees planted, it attracts many visitors as a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Additionally, the Goryokaku Tower offers a panoramic view of the beautiful star-shaped fortress, allowing visitors to enjoy different scenery with each season.

Designated as a Special National Historic Site, it has also been selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site as “Goryokaku and the Remains of the Hakodate War.” Managed by the City of Hakodate, it is well-maintained as a tourist destination. The characteristic star shape is a defense-oriented design that eliminates blind spots for attackers. This design was intended to maximize defensive capability in combat.

2. History of Goryokaku

■ 1854 – The Opening of Ports and Strengthening of Defenses

With the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Amity between Japan and the United States, Hakodate (present-day Hakodate) was opened as a port. In response, the Edo Shogunate planned the construction of Goryokaku to strengthen the defenses around Hakodate. Goryokaku is a Western-style star-shaped fortress modeled after Fort Bourtange in the Netherlands, designed by the Dutch studies scholar Takeda Ayasaburo. This fortress, incorporating the latest fortification techniques, is characterized by its defense-oriented design.

■ 1864 – Completion of Goryokaku

Construction of Goryokaku began in 1857 and was completed in 1864. Originally, Goryokaku was planned as the new base for the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office. After the opening of Hakodate port, the Edo Shogunate considered strengthening northern defenses an urgent matter, and for this purpose constructed the Western-style star-shaped fortress of Goryokaku. The design enabled “crossfire,” allowing counterattack from two directions regardless of which direction the enemy attacked from. Furthermore, with the aim of demonstrating Japan’s military power and technological capabilities to Western nations, the design was highly effective for defense against enemy attacks.

■ 1868 – The Boshin War and the Stronghold of the Former Shogunate Forces

The Boshin War broke out, and a fleet led by Enomoto Takeaki of the former shogunate forces landed in Hakodate. Goryokaku was used as a base for the former shogunate forces, and Enomoto and his followers attempted to establish their own government in Ezo (Hokkaido).Despite the valiant efforts of many warriors including Hijikata Toshizo of the former shogunate forces, they were defeated by the overwhelming power of the new government forces. Thus, in 1868, Goryokaku served as the last stronghold of the former shogunate forces during the Boshin War, and this battle became a major turning point in Japan’s modernization.

■ 1869 – Seizure by the Meiji Government

In 1869, at the end of the Boshin War, Goryokaku surrendered to the new government forces and was placed under the control of the Meiji government. After the surrender, the leaders of the former shogunate forces, including Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo, were captured, and Goryokaku’s role as a fortress came to an end. For a period, it was left abandoned and fell into a state of ruin. However, toward the end of the Meiji era, the historical value of Goryokaku began to be reassessed.

■ 1914 – Rebirth as a Park

In 1914, Goryokaku was opened to the public as a park and became a beloved place of relaxation for Hakodate residents and tourists alike. Every spring, approximately 5,000 cherry trees bloom in splendor, making it famous as a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot. Additionally, the Goryokaku Tower offers a panoramic view of the beautiful star-shaped fortress, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season .

In this way, Goryokaku continues to be loved by many people for its historical background and beautiful scenery. As a place where you can stroll while feeling the weight of history, it is a tourist spot well worth visiting.

Highlights of Goryokaku

Goryokaku offers many highlights due to its beauty and depth of history. Below is a detailed description of the major spots.

■ Goryokaku Tower

Goryokaku Tower is an observation tower approximately 107 meters tall, offering an excellent vantage point to view the entire Goryokaku fortress. The observation floor features 360-degree glass walls, providing beautiful views of the star-shaped Goryokaku, the Hakodate cityscape, and even Mount Hakodate. Inside the tower, there are exhibitions about the history of Goryokaku and a bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo, conveying the fortress’s history to visitors.

■ Hakodate Magistrate’s Office

At the center of Goryokaku stands the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office. As an important base of the shogunate, it functioned as the center of diplomacy, defense, and administration. However, when the Boshin War broke out, it became the stronghold of the former shogunate forces in 1868. The former shogunate forces made their last stand here but were ultimately defeated by the new government forces. The building was faithfully restored in 2010 based on historical photographs and drawings. Inside, visitors can experience the samurai era through the grand hall and exhibits showcasing construction techniques, allowing them to feel the atmosphere of that time.

■ Star-Shaped Moat and Earthworks

The star-shaped moat and earthworks, the most distinctive feature of Goryokaku, are a crystallization of defense-oriented Western fortification techniques. This design enables “crossfire,” allowing counterattack from two directions regardless of which direction the enemy attacks from, with ingenious features throughout for efficient defense.

[ Structural Details ]
– Star-Shaped Design 

The star-shaped citadel has bastions (redoubts) extending radially from the center, creating a structure where defenders maintain the advantage regardless of the direction of enemy attack. This shape minimizes blind spots and enables efficient defense. The “flanks” between the bastions serve to support the sides of the bastions and effectively defend against approaching enemies.

–Moat 

The moat surrounding Goryokaku is wide and deep, preventing enemies from directly approaching the citadel. Wooden bridges are placed around the moat, designed as part of the defense to delay enemy intrusion.
The water surface of the moat reflects the fortress, offering beautiful scenery. Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter color the surroundings of the moat throughout the four seasons.

– Earthworks 

The earthworks of Goryokaku are tall and thick, serving as an important defensive element to prevent enemy intrusion. Walking along the top of the earthworks allows you to appreciate their height and thickness, gaining a deeper understanding of Goryokaku’s overall defense system. Trees are planted atop the earthworks, and visitors can experience the historical structures while strolling through the natural surroundings. From the earthworks, you can also overlook the entire Goryokaku and appreciate its complex design.

[ Highlights and Experiences ]
–Strolling Around the Moat 

Walking paths have been established, allowing visitors to walk around the moat and experience its beauty and the complexity of the defense system. Water lilies bloom abundantly in the moat, offering different scenery with each season.

–Walking on Top of the Earthworks 

Walking on top of the earthworks allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Goryokaku’s overall structure. The arrangement of moats and bastions viewed from this elevated vantage point reveals the full picture of Goryokaku’s defense system to visitors.

–Cherry Blossoms and Seasonal Scenery 

Goryokaku Park is a place where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. In spring, approximately 1,600 cherry trees bloom in splendor, and the “inverted cherry blossoms” reflected on the moat’s water surface are a spectacular sight. In summer, fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful foliage; and in winter, snowy landscapes spread across the park, captivating visitors throughout the year.

–Goryokaku Festival 

The “Hakodate Goryokaku Festival,” held every May, features events that reenact the final battle of the Boshin War. With cannon and rifle performances, castle surrender ceremonies, and more, visitors can vividly experience the history of Goryokaku.

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Summary

Goryokaku is an important heritage site that symbolizes Japan’s history and culture. Its beautiful star-shaped fortress, rich history, and seasonal scenery continue to captivate visitors. Through the overview, history, and highlights of Goryokaku presented in this article, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of this magnificent fortress’s charm.

Goryokaku is a place worth visiting throughout the year, showing a different face with each season. When planning your visit, be sure to check event information and highlights in advance to make the most of your experience.