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Saturday, May 18, 2013

Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭)| Fortress Park with 1,600 Cherry Trees | Hakodate

Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭) was the last battle field of a large-scale civil war between the Tokugawa shogunate and the new government forces, and worked as a cornerstone of the end of feudal era of Japan in the 19th century. Now it is opened to the public as a park, where about 1,600 cherry trees are planted!

Let't go to the Goryokaku Tower (五稜郭タワ) to see the whole picture of the fortress park!

From the 107m-high double-decked observatory, we can enjoy the panoramic views of Hakodate from every angle!!

Voila!
This is Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭), which is a star-shaped fort!

When you come here in the spring time, the star is filled with pink cherry blossoms like this↓

Let's walk in the park↓

How beautiful the blossoms are! There are 1,600 cherry blossoms planted in the park.

Anyway, do you know how many countries have such a star-shaped fortress? We can learn the history of the fortress as well as the history of Japan in the 19th century at this observatory.

When you come here, please visit this cafe stand on the first floor of the observatory!

Have you ever eaten cherry blossom ice cream?

This is a seasonal specialty during the spring time only! Yummy x 2!!!

Let's go down to the first floor, which has one of the largest souvenir corners in the city, with a huge lineup of local products as well as the original goods that cannot purchased anywhere else.

■Where is "Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭)"?

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■Tour guide information■
Do you need a nationally-licensed English-speaking tour guide when you travel to Hokkaido?I'll guide you! Plz click here!