Up Goryōkaku Tower we go - to see Goryōkaku (literally, "five-point fort") from above, a star fort within Hakodate.
"The fortress was completed in 1866, two years before the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was the main headquarters of the Republic of Ezo, which only existed in 1869. The star shape, inspired by European designs, allowed for greater numbers of gun emplacements on its walls than a traditional Japanese fortress, and reduced the number of blind spots where a cannon could not fire. The fort was built by the Tokugawa shogunate to protect Tsugaru Strait against a possible invasion by the Russian fleet. It was the site of the last battle of the Boshin War between the Ezo Republic and the Empire of Japan. The fighting lasted for a week (June 20–27, 1869). Today, Goryōkaku is a park declared as a Special Historical Site, being a part of the Hakodate city museum and a favorite spot for cherry-blossom viewing in Spring."
As an active fort, virtually none of these trees were here, but since, these cherry blossom loving people plant them anywhere they'll get enjoyed in the Spring.
As an active fort, virtually none of these trees were here, but since, these cherry blossom loving people plant them anywhere they'll get enjoyed in the Spring.
A model of what the fortress looked like in the 1860's, without all the trees and more buildings.
Looking from the tower to the south, we can see Mt. Hakodate which we climbed yesterday.
Now down in the fort for the non-bird's-eye-view.
Another neat man hole cover....................and here's a poster of what you can see from the tower in the Spring.
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 |  We then walked to the train tram trolley thingie to go down town to the south. We want to visit a brewery that was closed yesterday. They even had beer ice cream - yum yum.  |
And then we're back amongst the old waterfront warehouses.
 |  Bronze kitties - permanently on the prowl for interactions with hoooomans. |
And one last brewery for the day...with a bit of a light dinner to go with it.
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