Goryokaku Tower is an observation tower adjacent to Goryokaku, a special historic site in Hakodate, Hokkaido. It is a private tourist facility managed by Goryokaku Tower Co., Ltd.
History
Old tower (first tower)
Shinsuke Nakano, grandfather and founder of Tsune Nakano, the President of Hyundai, opened his first tower on December 1, 1964, the 100th year of Goryokaku Castle. The height (lightning rod height) was 60m and the observation deck was 45m.
New tower (second generation tower)
When the tower celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2004, the tower facilities were aging, and the plan to rebuild a new tower emerged. Construction started in November 2004 with a total construction cost of 3 billion yen. The site of the restaurant “Ryountei” which was located next to the old tower was selected as the construction site. When deciding the height, since Hakodate Airport is located 5 km in a straight line from Goryokaku, there is a limit of 108 m according to the Aviation Law, and the height of the lightning rod is 107 m. Construction started on November 25, 2004, completed on March 31, 2006, and opened on April 1, 2004.
On December 1 of the same year, the “Atrium” was completed on the site of the former tower and opened for grand opening.
Facility
Tower
The structure of the new tower is similar to that of Goryokaku.
Atrium (former site of former tower)
With the completion of the new tower, the old tower was closed and dismantled, and a glass atrium was built on the site. In the atrium, there is “Food & Drink107,” which sells bronze statues and freshly baked bread by Toshizo Hijikata in addition to planting, benches and stages. In addition, a tower-shaped “hand-rolled organ” and a cannon used for the Hakodate Goryokaku Festival are permanently installed.
This is an all-weather glass-covered plaza with plants. If you are tired of walking around Goryokaku, you can rest freely in a space full of pleasant greenery with the sun shining down. Please enjoy the slow flow of time.
The atrium holds a variety of events throughout the year.
Highlight
Earth-friendly cooler “Dry Mist”
The atrium is equipped with a dry mist cooler that uses the power of nature and is friendly to the global environment. In the forest, water gradually comes out of the leaves of the trees into the air. The water evaporates quickly in the air, when heat is taken from the surroundings. Thanks to that, the forest is cool.
“Dry mist” also uses the evaporation of water to lower the surrounding temperature, creating the same coolness as in a forest. In other words, it is a cooler that uses the power of nature and is friendly to the global environment. In the summer of the Goryokaku Tower Atrium, we will deliver the coolness of the forest.
First floor
There is an atrium, a tower ticket counter, a shop, and a display under the floor “Hakodate no Hikari”.
The entrance hall ticket counter will greet you. In addition, you can enjoy shopping at the stalls with a wealth of original items.
Highlight
Entrance hall
Welcome. As you enter the front entrance, the bright entrance hall expands. In front of you is a cylindrical tower ticket counter covered in Nishiki-e.
Tower ticket counter
To get to the Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck, purchase an Observation Ticket here.
The tower ticket counter is cylindrical and covered with a Nishiki picture that symbolizes the history of Goryokaku and Hakodate, and welcomes guests with soft light objects.
Elevator hall, Goryokaku construction
After purchasing the observatory ticket, go to the observatory by elevator. In the elevator hall, there is a terrain model that reproduces the appearance of the Hakodate in the first year of Genji (1864) at the time of the construction of the real and precise Goryokaku with a diameter of 6 m under the glass floor based on resources and historical materials. After seeing the appearance of Hakodate at the time, we will introduce the current Hakodate and Goryokaku at the observatory.
Underfloor display equipment
The present Hakodate city area spreads on an unusual terrain called “Rikukei sand bar” where the land and the island on the other side are connected by earth and sand. The formation of the terrain will be explained on the panel. In addition, he introduced the streets and surroundings of Hakodate when Goryokaku was built (1864) on a touch screen while unraveling old photos and old drawings. Explore “Hakodate” in the late Edo period.
1st floor stand
The search for souvenirs in Goryokaku and Hakodate is decided here. The first-floor stall has a wealth of original items that are only available here. In addition, we also sell mail order with only original goods. Please use it by all means if you forget to buy.
Tokugawa Shogunate Warship Kaiyo Model
On the elevator hall wall side … After the former Tokugawa Shogunate army led by Takenobu Enomoto occupied Goryokaku, he attempted to attack Esashi, the last defense line of the Matsumae clan, and proceeded off the coast of Esashi at Kaiyo Maru. A model of the tragic warship Kaiyo is on display.
Second floor
There is a Japanese restaurant “Shunka”, Gotoken “Curry EXPRESS”, and a gelato shop “Milkissimo”.
There is a Japanese restaurant stuck to the seasonal season, a curry restaurant based on the concept of retro modern & casual, a high quality milk from Hakodate, and a gelato shop with a rich blessing created by the earth of Hokkaido.
Highlight
Observatory
It consists of two layers and can accommodate about 500 people. You can overlook the special historical site Goryokaku and Hakodate city.
Observation ground floor
There are a stand and a cafe stand.
This is a floor where you can relax and enjoy the star-shaped view of Goryokaku. You can also enjoy shopping at observatories and cafe stands with original goods.
Highlight
See-through floor
The “see-through floor” is a tempered glass floor that allows you to see the area directly below the observatory. Standing on it, 86m high and in the air.
Star-shaped castle in the world
Goryokaku is modeled after the “Ryobatsu Castle” developed in Europe since the 16th century. The “Star-shaped Castle” in the world is introduced with a world map and photos.
Observation stand
“Observation stand” with original goods that can only be purchased here is waiting for you.
Computer palmistry
Computers occupy the left hand for men and the right hand for women. A computer palmistry with a reputation that is often rumored to be hit by bus guides, tour operators, and Goryokaku tower staff.
Observation 2nd floor
Goryokaku exhibition corridor “Goryokaku Historical Corridor” is permanently installed. In addition, there is the “Goryokaku Restoration Model (1/250)” which reproduces the time of construction, and the bronze statue “Hijikata Toshizoyuki”.
An observation floor where you can see the impressive view of Goryokaku, a special historic site. In addition, there is an exhibition space “Goryokaku History Corridor” where you can learn the history of Goryokaku.
Highlight
Goryokaku restoration model
Goryokaku at the time of completion is accurately reproduced, and you can compare the current figure with the old figure.
Graphic exhibition “Goryokaku Monogatari”
The history of Goryokaku, which begins with the arrival of Perry, is introduced in an easy-to-understand manner using chronology and graphic panels.
Memorial pole
You can see the turbulent history and people’s drama that Goryokaku has passed through the 16-scene scene model (diorama) “Memorial Pole”.
Information search computer “Goryokaku Guide”
Goryokaku’s information search, Q & A, and three-choice quizzes allow you to study while happily learning while operating the touch panel screen.
Touched model
Even those who are visually impaired can experience the beautiful star shape of Goryokaku and the unique design of the tower.
Bronze statue “Statue of Toshizo Hijikata”
Based on a well-known photograph of Toshizo Hijikata in a frock coat, boots and a sword on his waist sitting in a chair, this bronze statue was created by Machiko Kodera over two years. .
Goryokaku History Corridor leaflet
A leaflet explaining the history of Goryokaku and the 16 scenery dioramas is available in the Goryokaku Historical Corridor.
Please bring it freely.
Image character
The image character is GO-Taita, which was chosen by open call. GO-Taita appears in the atrium on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays every week, and original goods are sold.
Building specifications
Construction
Tower: Reinforced concrete
Observation deck, low-rise building: steel frame
Building height: 98m
Lightning rod height: 107m
Elevator: 2 for observation deck (1 for 30 people)
Observatory
Height: 86m on the first floor, 90m on the second floor
Performance: With super sloshing damper (SSD), etc., it is safe for seismic intensity 7 for earthquakes, and no structural problems occur for strong winds even at a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 50 m / s by wind tunnel tests etc. It is designed to be.
Design and construction: Shimizu Corporation
Lighting Design: Tomita Lighting Design Office
Exhibitions and fixtures: Shimizu Corporation, Tanseisha Co., Ltd.