AugustHakodate Port Festival
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually August 1–5 (fireworks on the first day, parades on the 2nd and 3rd)
Autumn Leaves · Hokkaido
Goryokaku Park
HakodateCastle🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct
Overview
Overview
The site of Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort designated a Special Historic Site, is open as a park. It is famous for cherry blossoms, but in autumn you can enjoy the subdued colors of the cherry trees’ autumn leaves along with maples and azaleas.
- Address
- 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
- Time needed
- About 1 hour to walk around the outer moat and inside the fort
- Official website
- http://www.hakobura.jp/db/db-view/2011/04/post-122.html
Area weather
HakodateWeather and what to wear in Hakodate →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookHakodate City Day Tour: Goryokaku Park & Mt. HakodateGuided bus tour from Hakodate Port to the Mt. Hakodate Observatory, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Hakodate Morning Market and Goryokaku ParkView on Klook- PRKlookHakodate Highlights 2-Day Bus Tour (from Sapporo)Two-day tour from Sapporo to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Goryokaku Park, Hakodate Morning Market, Onuma Quasi-National Park and more. Plans with or without hotel and breakfastView on Klook
- PRKlookHakodate 5-Hour Private Car: Cape Tachimachi, Goryokaku Park & Botanical GardenPrivate car with pickup in Hakodate visiting Cape Tachimachi, Goryokaku Park and the Tropical Botanical Garden. Japanese-speaking driver, 5- or 10-seat vehicleView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually from around mid-October
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The “sea of autumn leaves” outlining the star shape, seen from the neighboring Goryokaku Tower, is spectacular. Walk the trail of about 1,800 m around the outer moat or the earthen banks inside the fort to see the moat’s water and the autumn leaves up close.
📷 Best views
View from Goryokaku Tower
Look down on the autumn leaves outlining the star-shaped fort
Around the outer moat
A trail of about 1,800 m. The moat’s water and the autumn leaves of cherry trees and maples
Earthen banks inside the fort
Autumn leaves of maples and azaleas
Hours
Opening hours
Inside the fort (April–October)5:00–19:00
Inside the fort (November–March)5:00–18:00
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Entry to the fort groundsFree
The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office charges admission
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Goryokaku-koen-mae Stop (Hakodate City Tram)10 min walkInconvenient from JR Goryokaku Station. Take a tram or bus from JR Hakodate Station
- By car & parking
- No dedicated parking. Use nearby paid parking lots or public transportation
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Quieter times
- Mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- October normals for Hakodate: high 17.1°C, low 7.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring something to put on, such as a light down jacket or other jacket
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Goryokaku ParkPR
PR8.6スマイルホテルプレミアム 函館五稜郭
★★★Check rates on Agoda4,004 reviews0.8 km from center
PR8.6ホテル 法華クラブ函館
★★★★Check rates on Agoda2,315 reviews0.9 km from center
PR8.6ホテル マイステイズ 函館五稜郭
★★★Check rates on Agoda2,206 reviews0.9 km from center
PR8.2ルートイングランティア函館五稜郭
★★★Check rates on Agoda1,182 reviews0.7 km from center
PR8.4ホテルＢＲＳ（ブルス）函館 五稜郭タワー前
Check rates on Agoda266 reviews0.5 km from center
PR7.3ココテル函館
★★★★Check rates on Agoda597 reviews1.7 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Hakodate
August
DecemberHakodate Christmas Fantasy
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually starts in late November to early December and runs until December 25
2026: Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido
Mountain & highland
Lake
Hot spring town
Gorge
Avenue & old town🍁 Typical peakHokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Hokkaido ・ Hokkaido University, Sapporo
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct
Hot spring town🍁 Typical peak
Garden🍁 Typical peakMiharashi Park (Kosetsuen Garden)
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Early Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Park🍁 Typical peak
Lake🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05