Goryōkaku Tower
Hakodate's star-shaped fortress, seen whole from above
Goryōkaku Tower rises above Hakodate to offer the definitive aerial view of one of Japan's most distinctive landmarks: the star-shaped Goryōkaku fort below. From the observation deck, the fort's precise geometric earthworks reveal themselves in full, a sight impossible to appreciate at ground level. With over 16,000 Google reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this is a well-loved stop that rewards the short ride up.
When to go
The tower is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, so arriving early in the morning keeps you ahead of midday footfall. Spring draws visitors for cherry blossom season, when the fort's grounds flush pink and the view from the tower becomes particularly striking. Winter light over Hokkaido lends the scene a quiet, spare beauty all its own.