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Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossoms in Hakodate: 2025 Highlights and Events
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At Goryokaku in Hakodate, Hokkaido, cherry blossoms peak from late April to Golden Week in May. This article covers the 2025 season top cherry blossom spots, which you can enjoy alongside sightseeing in Hakodate.
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Worked as a freelance web writer since June 2023. I am mainly in charge of SEO articles, disseminating information on local spots and tourist destinations, and interviewing shops and managers.
Cherry Blossoms at Goryokaku Park and Tower in Hakodate
Goryokaku Park, a sightseeing destination in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is also a famous cherry blossom spot.
This time, we introduce Goryokaku’s peak cherry blossom season, highlights, and recommended cherry blossom viewing spots. We’ll also cover information on illumination events and party plans.
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossom Guide
1. Goryokaku Park: An Introduction
2. Cherry Blossom Peak Season and Highlights
3. Spot 1. Goryokaku Tower
4. Spot 2. Goryokaku Park
5. Spot 3. Goryokaku’s Moat
6. Goryokaku’s Cherry Blossom Events
7. Access: How to Get to Goryokaku Park
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Goryokaku Park: An Introduction
Picture courtesy of Hokkaido Tourism Organization Photo Library (Japanese)
Goryokaku is the site of a former castle in Hakodate, Hokkaido. It was Japan's first Western-style fortress, known for its distinctive five-pointed star shape. It was also a fierce battlefield during the Boshin War and is famous for its ties to Hijikata Toshizo and the Shinsengumi.
The site is now maintained as Goryokaku Park, featuring lush greenery around a perimeter of approximately 1,800 meters. Visitors can enjoy seasonal landscapes from cherry blossoms in spring to snow in winter, attracting many visitors.
Additionally, from the Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck, you can not only admire the fortress's beautiful star shape but also enjoy views of Mt. Hakodate and Hakodate Bay.
Cherry Blossom Peak Season and Highlights
Picture courtesy of Hokkaido Tourism Organization Photo Library (Japanese)
At Goryokaku, over 1,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees typically reach full bloom from late April to early May. During the cherry blossom season, you can admire the star-shaped fortress outlined in pink from Goryokaku Tower.
In 2025, temperatures between April and May are forecast to be higher than usual, with cherry blossoms anticipated to bloom on April 22 according to Weathernews. For reference, 2024 saw an earlier bloom than usual on April 18 with the peak bloom on April 23.
Even after the peak bloom, the sight of the scattered flower petals covering the surface of the moat is still worth seeing.
During the hanami season, paper lantern illuminations will take place. While the 2025 schedule has yet to be announced, the illuminations are typically held from late April to mid-May between 19:00 to 21:00.
Furthermore, during this season, large crowds are expected especially on weekends and holidays, with weekday afternoons and evenings during the illuminations also bustling with people. Weekdays will still see a lot of foot traffic, so to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in the early to mid-morning.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots at Goryokaku Park
To view the cherry blossoms at Goryokaku, we recommend three spots: Goryokaku Tower, Goryokaku Park, and Goryokaku’s moat.
1. Goryokaku Tower
Picture courtesy of Hokkaido Tourism Organization Photo Library (Japanese)
Goryokaku Tower is where you can view the star-shaped castle ruins and the cherry blossoms surrounding it from an observation deck 90 meters above the ground.
From the deck, you can not only enjoy a 360° view of Goryokaku but you’ll also see the entire Hakodate landscape, including Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and Hakodate Bay.
Original Goryokaku Tower products and souvenirs can be purchased at the kiosks, making it perfect for both hanami and Hakodate sightseeing.
2. Goryokaku Park
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The tower offers a fantastic view, but you’ll want to experience the beautiful cherry blossoms up close. At Goryokaku Park, you can enjoy the blossoms while strolling through the spacious grounds.
Among them, the Goryokaku Ruins, a nationally designated special historic site located right next to Goryokaku Tower, is a popular hanami spot.
Stalls and booths will also be set up in the park during the hanami season, making it an ideal spot for enjoying hanami with friends and family.
Moreover, the use of fire will be permitted in certain areas during this time, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms while having a barbecue or jingisukan, a grilled mutton dish that’s a famous Hokkaido specialty.
3. Goryokaku’s Moat
Picture courtesy of Hokkaido Tourism Organization Photo Library (Japanese)
Goryokaku’s moat is a popular photo spot where you can see Goryokaku Tower and the cherry blossoms reflected in the water. The view of Goryokaku Tower, the moat, and the cherry blossoms all together can only be enjoyed near the moat!
This view can be clearly seen when there is no wind. However, due to the stronger winds during the cherry blossom season, it’s a lucky sight if you catch a glimpse of it.
The surrounding area has flat roads, making it a great idea to enjoy the cherry blossoms while taking a stroll around the moat.
Cherry Blossom Events at Goryokaku
Picture courtesy of Hokkaido Tourism Organization Photo Library (Japanese)
Cherry blossom-related events, such as a Cherry Blossom Festival, are not held at Goryokaku. However, paper lantern illuminations are typically held each year. Although information on the 2025 illuminations has yet to be announced, the 2024 event was held from April 20 to May 5.
Party plans are also available during the hanami season. During this time, food, drinks, and the use of fire are permitted in certain sections of the park, making it possible to enjoy a barbecue or make jingisukan.
Seasonal Seafood Shunka, located on the second floor of Goryokaku Tower, offers a Hanami Jingisukan Set, assorted hors d’oeuvres, beer, and more. Among their offerings, the Goryokaku Hanami Plan (3,000 yen per person) is popular, allowing you to enjoy jingisukan while admiring the cherry blossoms.
Access: How to Get to Goryokaku Park
Access to Goryokaku Park and Goryokaku Tower is possible via train or bus.
Take the bus from Hakodate Station to the Goryokaku Park Entrance bus stop and walk for about 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take the Goryokaku Tower Shuttle Bus from Hakodate Station, which you can take to the Goryokaku Tower Front stop, then walk about three minutes to the tower.
If you’re taking the city tram, get off at Goryokaku Park Front and walk for about 18 minutes. Additionally, you can take the Tobikko, an airport shuttle bus, from Hakodate Airport to the Goryokaku Park Entrance and walk for about 10 minutes.
If you are traveling by car, note that there is no dedicated parking lot at Goryokaku Park. There is the nearby Hakodate City Goryokaku Visitor Parking, but it is highly recommended to use public transportation as it will be heavily crowded during the hanami season.
Goryokaku Tower
43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0001
Goryokaku Tower is a 107-meter-tall observation tower in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Completed in 1988, it stands next to the special historic site of Goryokaku, the former site of a star-shaped fortress. From the tower, you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of Hakodate city and Goryokaku Park. It also houses a historical museum, souvenir shop, and restaurant, making it a popular tourist spot in Hakodate. The scenery changes with the seasons, especially the cherry blossom season and snowy scenery, making it a spectacular sight.
Hotels near Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Park
44-2 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0001
Hotels near Goryokaku Park
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the peak blooming season at Goryokaku?
The peak blooming season is typically from late April to early May.
When are cherry blossoms in Hakodate forecast to bloom in 2025?
The bloom is forecast to occur on April 22, 2025 (according to Weathernews Inc.’s “First Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025”).
Until when can I see the cherry blossoms at Goryokaku?
The cherry blossoms can typically be seen until around May 6. However, this may vary depending on the weather conditions.
Where can I enjoy hanami or eat jingisukan at Goryokaku?
Only during the hanami season, both Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Park will permit the use of fire in designated areas for barbecuing and cooking jingisukan.
Are there street stalls during the hanami season at Goryokaku?
There will be hanami stalls at Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Park. In 2024, these stalls were set up from April 20 to May 6.
See the Cherry Blossoms at Goryokaku Park
At Goryokaku, the cherry blossom viewing season is typically from late April to early May.
The site is full of attractions, including Goryokaku Park, the Tower, and the moat. Why not combine sightseeing with hanami on your next trip to Hakodate in the spring?
Read also
Main Picture courtesy of Hokkaido Tourism Organization Photo Library (Japanese)
Written by
Worked as a freelance web writer since June 2023. I am mainly in charge of SEO articles, disseminating information on local spots and tourist destinations, and interviewing shops and managers.
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