Goryokaku

Overview

Japan's first Western-style star fort, and the final stage of the Battle of Hakodate.

The late-Edo magistracy and the Battle of Hakodate

Goryokaku is a Western-style fortress designed by Takeda Ayasaburo and built in 1864. It is famous for its star-shaped outline, but it originally housed the Hakodate Magistrate's Office and was also the place responsible for governing Ezo. It later became the stage of the Hakodate War, and in 1869 it was surrendered by the former shogunate forces to the new government side. It is best understood as both a military installation and an administrative center.

Walking the historic site

It was opened as a park in 1914 and designated a Special Historic Site in 1952. On site, pay attention to the moats, earthworks and bridges, which let you see the spatial layout inside the fortress, different from the star shape seen in photographs. The restored Hakodate Magistrate's Office, the neighboring tower and the park each have different conditions of use, so if you plan to combine visits, check each one's guidance separately.

About this place

Goryōkaku (五稜郭; lit. 'five-point fort') is a star fort in the Japanese city of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido. The fortress was completed in 1866. It was the main headquarters of the short-lived Republic of Ezo.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Key facts

Founded / opened：1864 Designation：Special Historic Site

Official website

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