Where to See the Best Views in Hakodate: Goryokaku Tower and Cape Tachimachi

Goryokaku Tower – A Star from Above

We had Shio Remen in Shinano - Looking for the perfect bowl of shio ramen near Hakodate Station? Click [Here] to see why this cozy spot is worth a visit! - Next stop in Hakodate was Goryokaku Tower, the perfect place to admire the city’s unique history from above.

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The entry fee is 1,200 yen, while the surrounding Goryokaku Park is free to explore. From the tower’s observatory, the iconic star-shaped fort stretched out below—a stunning reminder of Hakodate’s role in Japanese history. It’s one of those sights you can truly appreciate only from above.

👉Tip: Before taking the elevator back down, you’ll need to descend one floor by stairs. Here, you’ll find a small, clear glass floor section where you can step on and look straight down—a little thrill for those who dare!

Entrance of Goryokaku Tower

I love small details like the Goryokaku-shaped punch on the tickets

The lush green view of Goryokaku in May

Another view of Goryokaku Tower.

From Goryokaku, you can see the sea and tall buildings in the distance.

You can look down through the clear glass floor for a view below.

Goryokaku Park – Green in May

Visiting in mid-May, we were welcomed by fresh greenery and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Strolling along the moat, it was easy to imagine how this star-shaped fort once served as a defensive stronghold.

Skipping the Ropeway – Choosing a Different Path

Like many visitors, we had originally planned to ride the Hakodate Ropeway, famous for its night view (one of the Three Great Night Views of Japan). But after enjoying Goryokaku’s scenery, hearing about the heavy crowds before sunset, and considering the chilly outdoor observatory in May evenings, we decided to skip it.

Instead, we chose a quieter alternative: Cape Tachimachi.

Heading to Cape Tachimachi

From Hakodate Station, we took the tram to Yachigashira Station (谷地頭駅), the last stop on the Hakodate tram line, using a one-day tram pass. The pass itself has a nostalgic design and is very convenient:

• One-Day Tram Pass: Adult 600 yen / Child 300 yen

• 24-Hour Pass: Adult 900 yen / Child 450 yen

 💬 Available at JR Hakodate Station Tourist Center, hotel front desks, and convenience stores. We purchased ours at our hotel front desk.
 💬 A mobile version is also available here.

From Yachigashira Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk through a quiet residential neighbourhood. The path passes old graveyards and small traditional wooden houses, giving you a different perspective on local life.

A very quiet road on the way to Cape Tachimachi after getting off the tram.

The sign for Cape Tachimachi.

A cat we saw while walking — we didn’t see anyone else on the way there or back.

Passing through a cemetery with the sea in the background.

Walking along a quiet street in the middle of a residential area and a cemetery.

A sign showing that Cape Tachimachi is 700 meters ahead

A Peaceful Sea View

When we arrived, only a handful of hikers’ cars were parked nearby. There were no tourist crowds—just the sound of the sea and a wide-open horizon.

Unlike the glittering night view from Mount Hakodate, here the endless sea and sky created a sense of calm and freedom. It was less about spectacle and more about a personal, peaceful moment.

The monument at Cape Tachimachi

Following the path to take more photos

On my left, I could see Hakodate city and houses; on my right, beautiful cliffs and nature. A calm and peaceful spot where you can see the Tsugaru Strait and Aomori on a clear day.

Returning to Hakodate Station

We ended the day with a tram ride back to Hakodate Station, content with our choice. By skipping the ropeway, we discovered a more intimate side of Hakodate—two contrasting viewpoints:

• Goryokaku Tower – history and cityscape from above

• Cape Tachimachi – serene, natural sea views

Both gave us different but equally beautiful experiences.

👉 Practical Tip:
The last tram from Yachigashira Station to Yunokawa is at 10:12 pm on both weekdays and weekends (as of October 2025, official Hakodate City website). Since the walk to Cape Tachimachi goes through residential areas and past graveyards, it’s best to return before it gets too dark.

The tram approaching Yachigashira Station

No one else was inside — we felt like VIPs!

Scratching off today’s date before using the one-day pass. A digital pass was available, but I liked the analog vibe — such a unique experience in Japan.

Leaving behind the beautiful scenery of Cape Tachimachi, we arrived back at the station and decided to warm ourselves up with a hearty meal. We headed to King Bear, a restaurant famous for its delicious curry soup. If you prefer something spicier, try Hokkaido-style soup curry, a soul-warming dish perfect after a cold walk by the sea. Please refer to the best curry soup restaurants in Hakodate [Here].

Extra Travel Notes

• Best Season to Visit Goryokaku Park: Late April to early May for cherry blossoms, or mid-May for fresh greenery. In autumn, the foliage is also stunning.

• Cape Tachimachi Weather: It can be windy and chilly, even in spring—bring a light jacket.

• If you’re looking for a quieter view than the spots we’ve reviewed, consider Mount Esan or the Hachiman-zaka slope. Mount Esan is a bit farther from Hakodate city but is famous for its beautiful scenic views, while Hachiman-zaka offers stunning vistas overlooking the city near the Motomachi area. - A famous spot from Hakodate CF dramas: For our full review of Hachiman-zaka, click [Here].

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.