Tower Story
Goryokaku Tower is located at the northern part of Japan, Hakodate, Hokkaido. The tower stands next to the western style fort called “Goryokaku”, and you can see the beautiful fort from the observatory.
In 1854, a treaty between the United States of America and the Shogunate of Japan was signed, Japan quit the isolation policy and restart trade with foreign countries. As a result, the ports Shimoda and Hakodate were opened to U.S., the warships also came in the port of Hakodate. While the Hakodate magistrate’s office which was located near the harbor, decided to relocate to the inland for fear of military threats. Following the relocation, Goryokaku was built as a facility to protect it in 1864.
Eventually it became the stage of the civil war called “Boshin War” between the former government forces and new government forces. The war began at Kyoto in 1868 (the battle of Toba-Fushimi), and it ended at Hakodate in 1869 (the battle of Hakodate). It was the important turning point that the empire of japan started to change Japan from samurai nations to modern nations.
After the hundred year, Goryokaku Tower was built in 1964, and rebuilt the new tower in 2006. From the observatory you can enjoy the beautiful view of the star shape by seasons.
Observation Deck
From the observatory, you can see the star shaped fort Goryokaku. There are 1,600 cherry trees around the moat, it changes the scenery each seasons. In spring, the fort covered pink with cherry blossom from late April to early May. Those leaves turned fresh green in summer, autumn leaves are also beautiful, and it cover the snow in winter.
In addition, you can learn the history and culture by exhibition space “Goryokaku History Corridor” with miniature models.
Address
43-9, Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate 040-0001 Japan
Facts & Statistics
Architects
Shimizu Corporation
Inauguration date
April 2006
Construction time
2 Years
Construction cost
30 million USD
Total height
107m
Weight
24,100 tones
Concrete
6,900㎥
Depth below ground
25m
Height of restaurant
2nd floor
Number of windows
1,297 windows
Number of elevators
2
Elevators capacity电梯容量
30 people
Elevators speed
210m / h
Elevator manufacturer
Mitsubishi
Max people working on tower at any one time during construction
60 people
Number of steps up to the top
451
Steel quantity used for construction
1,134t
Unique features of the tower
The shape of the observatory is pentagon like Goryokaku.