Goryōkaku

In the scenic port city of Hakodate on Hokkaido island lies one of Japan's most unique and historically significant fortresses. Goryōkaku (五稜郭, lit. 'five-point fort') is a star fort in the Japanese city of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido, representing a fascinating fusion of Japanese history and Western military architecture.

A Revolutionary Design

The fortress was completed in 1866, two years before the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate. It is shaped like a five-pointed star, making it Japan's first Western-style fortress. This allowed for greater numbers of gun emplacements on its walls than a traditional Japanese fortress, and reduced the number of blind spots where a cannon could not fire.

Goryōkaku was designed in 1855 by Takeda Ayasaburō, a Rangaku scholar. He studied the fortified cities of Europe in the early modern period to design a fort that could protect against battles using guns and cannons. The construction was an ambitious project that took nearly seven years for the construction.

Historical Significance

The fortress played a pivotal role in Japanese history. The fortress was the site of the final battle between the Tokugawa soldiers and the pro-Imperial troops in the Boshin War of 1869. The defeat of the Tokugawa shogunate in this battle marked the start of the Meiji government.

It became the capital of the Republic of Ezo, a state that existed only in 1869. The fighting lasted for a week (June 20–27, 1869). This final confrontation marked the end of Japan's feudal era and the samurai age.

Cherry Blossom Wonderland

Goryōkaku has become renowned as one of Japan's premier cherry blossom viewing destinations. There are nearly 1,500 cherry blossom trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino species, on the premises of Goryōkaku. The sight of the star-shaped fortress surrounded by pink sakura blossoms creates a breathtaking spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.

The Magistrate's Office

In the center of Goryokaku stands a restored Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which was built here at the end of the Edo period. You can tour the interior and learn more about its history. This faithful reconstruction provides insights into the administrative functions of the fortress during its operational period.

A Living Monument

Today, Goryōkaku is a park declared as a Special Historical Site, being a part of the Hakodate city museum and a citizens' favorite spot for cherry-blossom viewing in spring. The fortress serves as a bridge between Japan's feudal past and modern era, offering visitors a chance to walk through history while enjoying one of nature's most beautiful displays.