Goryokaku Fort
This may not fit in with the other castles on this site because it is more of a modern fort than a Sengoku or Edo period castle. It had no significant buildings beyond these walls and moats. It was the location of the last battle of the Edo period, so it has significance for that period of history.
History
If you look at this picture and the next one you should be able to see that this fort has a star shape. The Tokugawa shogunate began construction of this castle in 1857 and completed it in 1864. This was the first Western (specifically, Vauban) style fortress in Japan. This style was also popular in Europe at the time for it's ability to withstand damage from modern weapons.
After Japan was forced to open up trading with other countries by the US, the Tokugawa Shogunate opened ports in Hakodate and Shimoda. This fort at Hakodate was designed to defend the city from any Northern threats. Upon completion a government office was established inside which controlled all of Hokkaido.
During the Boshin War (1867-1869) rebel Shogunate forces battled with the Imperial forces after the return of power to the Emperor. The Shogunate forces eventually retreated to Hakodate where they took control of Goryokaku and the Hakodate War began. A year later the last of the rebels surrendered to Imperial forces, thus concluding the last remnant of Feudal Japan.
Field Notes
This may not fit in with the other castles on this site because it is more of a modern fort than a Sengoku or Edo period castle. It had no significant buildings beyond these walls and moats. It was the location of the last battle of the Edo period, so it has significance for that period of history.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Goryokaku Fort |
| Japanese Name | 五稜郭 |
| Alternate Names | Kameda Government Office (Kameda Oyakusho Dorui), Ryuya Castle |
| Founder | Ayasaburo Takeda |
| Year Founded | 1864 |
| Castle Type | Flatland |
| Castle Condition | No main keep but other buildings |
| Designations | Top 100 Castles, National Historic Site, Special Historic Site |
| Historical Period | Edo Period |
| Features | water moats, stone walls |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Bus or streetcar from Hakodate station |
| Hours | |
| Time Required | |
| URL | Castle Website |
| Location | Hakodate, Hokkaido |
| Coordinates | 41.79688, 140.75675 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2002 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2002 |
| Admin Visits | July 21, 2002 |
