Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Spring in Japan wouldn’t be complete without cherry blossoms, and Goryokaku Park in Hakodate City takes the experience to another level. With its star-shaped fort, this annual cherry blossom festival offers a breathtaking spectacle where over 1,500 cherry trees create a pink dreamscape. Among the 1,500 cherry trees, you’ll find a mix of Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms with their cascading pink petals.

The event is one of the most celebrated sakura festivals in northeastern Japan, inviting visitors to experience its romantic atmosphere, traditional performances, and amazing cherry blossom trees reflected in the surrounding moat.

If you’re looking for a must-see event during cherry blossom season, Goryokaku Park is one of the top cherry blossom spots in eastern Japan. Cherry blossoms bloom here later than in Tokyo or Kyoto, usually hitting peak bloom from late April to early May. This makes it the perfect destination if you missed full bloom in Japan’s southern regions earlier in the season.

For another incredible cherry blossom experience, Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori Prefecture is a great stop as well. Held at Hirosaki Park, it also has amazing castle views, petal-filled moats, and thousands of stunning cherry blossom trees.

Disclaimer: Festival dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

History of Goryokaku Park

Before it became one of Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots, Goryokaku Park was a fortress built in the Edo period. Completed in the 1860s, it was Japan’s first Western-style fort, designed to protect Hakodate City. The fort played a key role in the Hakodate War, the last battle between the shogunate forces and the new Meiji government. After the war, the area was transformed into a public park, and beautiful cherry blossom trees were planted, turning it into the stunning blossom festival site it is today.

From above, the park’s five-pointed star shape creates a contrast with the pink cherry blossoms. You can get the best view of this from the Goryokaku Tower observation deck, where you’ll see how the sakura trees frame the historic stone walls and the greenery of the park.

What to Expect at Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Visiting Goryokaku Park during the festival is like stepping into a painting. Here’s what makes this event special:

• Viewing cherry blossoms in the star-shaped fort – One of the most unique cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, where the layout makes the pink sakura trees look even more stunning.
• Paper lanterns and nighttime illumination – As the sun sets, the cherry blossom trees are lit with soft lanterns which creates a magical atmosphere.
• Genghis Khan Barbecue under the blossoms – This is not your typical sakura festival experience. Locals and visitors enjoy a Goryokaku Ohanami Plan, which includes an outdoor barbecue feast under the cherry blossoms – a beloved tradition in Hokkaido.
• Cultural performances – Enjoy traditional Japanese music and dance, which add to the festival’s theme of history, nature, and culture.
• Panoramic views from Goryokaku Tower – Climb the observation deck to see the star-shaped park covered in pink cherry blossoms.

Want more sakura magic? Hakodate Park, another one of Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom spots, is just a short trip away, offering another chance to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.

Admission Fees for Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Visiting Goryokaku Park during cherry blossom season is completely free. However, if you want to take in the breathtaking pink star-shaped layout from above, you’ll need to head up Goryokaku Tower. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the park, and during full bloom, it’s one of the most photogenic cherry blossom spots in Japan.

The entrance fee for Goryokaku Tower is 1,000 yen (around $6.76) for adults and 500 yen (around $3.38) for children – a small price for one of the country's most unique cherry blossom perspectives. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance, so if you want the best views without the wait, plan ahead!

How to Get to Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Hakodate, located in Hokkaido, is easily accessible by air, train, and bus. Since cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times of the year, planning ahead will help you secure the best hanami spots.

• By train and tram: Take the JR Hakodate Main Line to Hakodate Station, then transfer to the Hakodate City Tram (Line 2 or Line 5) bound for Yunokawa. Get off at Goryokaku Koen-mae Station; from there, it's a 10-minute walk to the park.
• By bus: Local buses run from Hakodate Station directly to Goryokaku Park. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and stops like Goryokaku Koen Iriguchi or Goryokaku-mae are just a short walk from the entrance.
• By car: If you're driving, use Google Maps to navigate to Goryokaku Park. Limited parking is available nearby, but it fills up quickly during peak bloom, so arriving early is essential. Traffic congestion is common during the festival period, so public transport is highly recommended.
• From Tokyo or Osaka
• By air: Fly into Hakodate Airport (HKD), which offers direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda - HND) and Osaka (Kansai - KIX). From the airport, take a bus (20–30 minutes) or taxi (15 minutes) directly to the park.
• By Shinkansen: Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, which takes about 4 hours. From there, transfer to the Hakodate Liner, which takes 20 minutes to reach Hakodate Station. Once there, follow the train and tram or bus directions to reach the park.

Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

With so many visitors enjoying hanami picnics and cherry blossom viewing, expect bag restrictions in place for crowd control and security:

• Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but large suitcases and coolers are typically not permitted in festival areas.
• Limited coin lockers are available near the entrance and at Hakodate Station, but they fill up quickly.
• Keep an eye on the official Goryokaku Park website for any last-minute bag policy updates.

Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Explore Hands-Free with Bounce

Instead of dragging your bags around, store them securely with Bounce at four different locations in Hakodate City and many other key spots across Japan. With over 15,000 locations in 4,000+ cities worldwide, it’s easy to find luggage storage wherever your travels take you.

• Affordable storage – Keep your bags safe from just ¥400 per day.
• Safe and secure – Your belongings are protected with ¥1,000,000 coverage, so you can enjoy the festival without worry.
• 24/7 support – Got a question? Help is always available.
• Free cancellation – If your plans change, you won’t lose a dime.

How to Store Your Bags with Bounce

1. Find a location – Use the Bounce app or website to pick a storage spot near Goryokaku Park or Hakodate Station.
2. Drop off your bags – Head to your chosen location, show your reservation, and leave your bags in secure storage.
3. Enjoy the festival – Walk freely through the park, take photos, and soak in the blooming cherry trees without extra weight.

Tips to Make the Most of Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

• Check the bloom forecast – Since the cherry blossom season in Japan depends on weather conditions, check updates before you go.
• Arrive early – The best cherry blossom viewing spots get taken fast, especially near the observation deck.
• Dress for the weather – Hakodate’s April temperatures range from 4–13 C (39–55 F), so bring a jacket.
• Try the Genghis Khan barbecue – It’s a Hokkaido specialty and the perfect meal for watching cherry blossoms.
• Explore beyond the park – Visit Hakodate Park, Motomachi’s historic district, or take a ride up Mount Hakodate for beautiful night views.
• Skip the baggage hassle – Store your bags with Bounce and enjoy the charming cherry blossoms stress-free.

Goryokaku Park is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom spots in Japan. The star-shaped fort, the illuminated cherry blossoms, and the pink petals reflected in the moat make it an unforgettable spring experience. Make your way to Hakodate City this cherry blossom season and watch one of Japan’s most breathtaking spectacles unfold before your eyes.