Old Fort Goryokaku: Explore Hokkaido’s Famous Star-Fort and its Scenic Grounds

Constructed in 1864 as the first western-style fort in Japan, this bastion was turned into a public park in 1914. Although the bird’s eye view from the observation tower is impressive all year round, sakura season is perhaps Goryokaku at its most stunning: over 1,000 cherry blossom trees cover the star-shaped grounds in pink blooms every spring! While in the area, make sure to also visit the Former Magistrate’s Office, in the center of the complex, to see a perfect reconstruction of traditional Japanese architecture.