Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

This page provides information on seasonal events hosted by the Goryokaku Tower and events held around Goryokaku each year.

*Please note that events are subject to change or cancellation.

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Spring Events

Today’s Goryokaku Wisteria Trellis [Past Peak Bloom] (Updated May 31)

The blooming conditions of the wisteria trellis and azaleas at the Special Historic Site Goryokaku (Goryokaku Park) are introduced daily along with photos taken that day.

The 57th Hakodate Goryokaku Festival ⚔️

May 16 (Sat) & 17 (Sun), 2026 – A 2-day event!
A special stage will be set up inside Goryokaku Park, featuring the long-awaited return of the “Hijikata Toshizo Contest.” After its final edition in 2024, the contest is back by popular demand. Enjoy a wide range of performances, including sword-fighting theater, brass band concerts, and thrilling demonstrations using real swords.
Note: This link will take you to an external website.

Memorial Service for the Fallen of the Hakodate War

May 11, 2026 (Mon) 17:00–17:30
AnTime: memorial service for those who lost their lives in the Hakodate War, the final battle of the Boshin War, is held prior to the Hakodate Goryokaku Festival.

Today’s Cherry Blossoms at Goryokaku [Green Leaves](Updated: May 2)🌸

Along with the forecast dates for cherry blossom blooming and full bloom at Goryokaku, we introduce the changing stages of the cherry blossoms, from buds to blooming, full bloom, and finally the green leaf stage, on our website and Facebook.

Notice of Change in Opening Hours During the Golden Week 🕗

Period: April 18 – May 6, 2026
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Last admission ticket sales: 6:50 p.m.)
Please be informed that our opening hours will change during the Golden Week period.
*Subject to change depending on the status of cherry blossom blooming and other conditions.

Today’s Wisteria trellis in Goryokaku [Finished blooming] (Updated June 8,2025)

Introducing the state of Wisteria trellis and Azaleas in Goryokaku with photos of the day.

56th Hakodate Goryokaku Festival ⚔️

Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 18, 2025.
This festival is held in order to spread the knowledge and history of Goryokaku, the stage of the Boshin War (1868-1869).

Memorial Service for the War Dead of the Battle of Hakodate

May 11, 2025. 17:00-17:30
A memorial service is held annually to recognize the war dead of the Battle of Hakodate, known as the last battle of the Boshin War.

Today’s cherry blossoms at Goryokaku [Fallen] (Updated May 10, 2025)🌸

Our Facebook page shows the state of cherry blossoms at Goryokaku from budding, flowering, and full bloom to cherry trees with green leaves.

Large koi-nobori windsocks are set up at the Goryokaku Tower🎏

April 26 to May 5, 2025 9:00～17:00
Come watch our nearly 12-meter-long koi-nobori windsocks swimming pleasantly in the sky about 70 meters from the ground.🎏

*Please note that the event is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions, such as heavy rain and strong winds and windless.

Summer Events

Goryokaku Tower Tanabata Festival 2025🎋

July 1 to July 7, 2025
July 7th is the day of the Tanabata Festival.
It is customary to hang colorful pieces of paper written with wishes and decorations on bamboo branches (called tanzaku) to wish upon the stars.

Civic Creation Hakodate Outdoor Play Let the Castle of Stars Shine for Tomorrow

For details, please check the official website (different website.)

Fall Events

Winter Events

Goryukaku Tower Atrium is also decorated with illumination lights✨️

December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026
The atrium located on the first level of the Goryokaku Tower is decorated with illumination lights to create a magical atmosphere suitable for the Hoshi no Yume Festival.

Hoshi no Yume Illumination✨️

December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026
Hoshi no Yume Illumination is an event where the moat around Goryokaku is illuminated with nearly 2,000 lights to create a star-shaped illumination. Goryokaku is lit daily during the period.
*Please note that due to renovation work on the Goryokaku Rear Gate Bridge this year, the illumination will be moved to the outside of the moat.
*Please note that the Goryokaku Tower closed at 6 p.m.

Happy New Year 2026🎍

We respectfully extend our New Year’s greetings.
We sincerely ask for your continued support and patronage in the year ahead.
New Year’s Day, 2026
Goryokaku Tower Corporation

Notice of Year-End and New Year Business Hours for In-House Tenants 🎍

We would like to inform you of the year-end and New Year business hours of the in-house tenants.
Please note that business hours may differ from regular hours during this period.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

We will be open from 6:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day 2026 🌅

Jan. 1, 2026 (Thu.) from 6:30 a.m.
On New Year’s Day, Goryokaku Tower will open early from 6:30 a.m. to coincide with the time of the first sunrise of the year.
Please enjoy the beautiful first sunrise of the New Year from the observation deck.
Please note: From Friday, January 2, we will resume normal business hours (from 9:00 a.m.).

Winter Traffic Safety Prayer Ceremony

December 26, 2025 (Fri) 11:00–
We will hold the “Winter Traffic Safety Prayer Ceremony” to pray for traffic safety during the busy year-end and New Year period and throughout the winter season.

Santa Appears on the Neck Section of Goryokaku Tower 🎅

November 29 (Fri) – December 25 (Thu), 2025
Santa Claus will once again appear on the neck section of Goryokaku Tower!
Don’t miss the sight of Santa as he looks like he’s climbing the tower 🎅

First Sunrise on New Year’s Day (Open at 6:30 a.m.)🌅

Wednesday, January 1, 2025
We are pleased to announce that the Goryokaku Tower will open at 6:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
*Goryokaku Tower will open at normal hour (9 a.m.) on January 2.

[2020] Otoshidama Raffle for the New Year☆

January 1 to 3
visitors have a chance to draw a raffle ticket for each purchase of 2,020 yen.
Original tower items will be given away!

First Sunrise on New Year’s Day (Open at 6 a.m.)

Wednesday, January 1, 2020
We are pleased to announce that the Goryokaku Tower will open at 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
*Goryokaku Tower will open at normal hour (9 a.m.) on January 2.