This is an announcement from Goryokaku Tower regarding our New Year’s Day and First Sunrise opening.
On January 1st, we will open early from 6:30 a.m. to coincide with the time of the first sunrise of the year.
Start the New Year by enjoying the beautiful first sunrise from our observation deck.
Please note: From Friday, January 2nd, we will resume normal business hours (9:00 a.m. onward).

Tower Light-Up to Welcome the New Year💡

The Goryokaku Tower illumination, which normally turns off at 10:00 p.m., will be switched on at midnight on January 1st.
As the New Year begins, the softly glowing tower will illuminate the city of Hakodate and announce the arrival of a new year.
We invite you to welcome the New Year together with the light of Goryokaku Tower.

Watch the First Sunrise from Goryokaku Tower! 🌅

To allow visitors to view the first sunrise of the year from the observation deck, Goryokaku Tower will hold a special First Sunrise opening.
Why not begin the year by welcoming the sunrise and starting fresh with a clear and refreshed spirit?
Let us pray for good health and peace throughout the coming year as the sun rises.

*The estimated time of the first sunrise in Hakodate is around 7:04 a.m.
*Please note that the sunrise may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
*The 1st-floor shop and the observation deck shop will open from 9:00 a.m. as usual.

Elevator Staff in Traditional Kimono 👘

On Thursday, January 1st, our elevator staff will welcome guests dressed in traditional kimono to celebrate the New Year.
Please enjoy the festive New Year atmosphere along with their seasonal attire.

First Sunrise Lion Dance Performance 🐲

Shortly after the first sunrise (around 7:04 a.m.) on January 1st, a First Sunrise Lion Dance Performance will be held on the observation deck.
After viewing the sunrise, please enjoy this celebratory lion dance that marks the beginning of the New Year.
With this powerful performance, we pray for your good health and happiness throughout the year.

GOTA-kun Appears on the Observation Deck! 🎍

Following the lion dance performance after the first sunrise, Goryokaku Tower’s official mascot GOTA-kun will appear on the observation deck.
Enjoy this special New Year moment together with the first sunrise, the lion dance, and GOTA-kun.
The appearance is scheduled to last approximately 15 minutes.

Ozoni (Traditional New Year Soup) Served 🍲

During the First Sunrise opening (from 6:30 a.m.), the first 500 guests who purchase an observation deck ticket will receive a voucher for a complimentary bowl of warm ozoni soup.
Please enjoy this traditional New Year’s dish.
*Convenience store advance tickets are also eligible.

[Ozoni Exchange Details]
Location: Special counter in the 1st-floor Atrium
Time: January 1st, 2026 (Thu.) from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
*Please note: Vouchers must be redeemed by 9:00 a.m. Redemption is not available after this time.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

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We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your patronage throughout the year, and we kindly ask for your continued support in the coming year.
All of us at Goryokaku Tower look forward to welcoming you from New Year’s Day.