Discover the castles and historic fortifications of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost region. From Matsumae Castle, a historic stronghold of the Matsumae domain, to the star-shaped Goryokaku and the lesser-known Shiryokaku, explore the fascinating history of Japan’s northern frontier.
Featured Castles in Hokkaido
Matsumae Castle
Matsumae, Hokkaido
A historic castle associated with the Matsumae domain, which governed the region during the Edo period.
Goryokaku
Hakodate, Hokkaido
A star-shaped Western-style fort and a major battlefield of the Boshin War in 1868–1869.
Shiryokaku
Hakodate, Hokkaido
A small four-pointed fortification built near Goryokaku during the final stages of the Boshin War.
Castle History of Hokkaido
Hokkaido’s castle history differs from that of many other regions of Japan. During the Edo period, the Matsumae domain controlled the southern part of Hokkaido, with Matsumae Castle serving as an important political and defensive center. In the late Edo period, new Western-style fortifications appeared, most notably Goryokaku in Hakodate. The region later became one of the final battlegrounds of the Boshin War, leaving behind historic sites such as Goryokaku and Shiryokaku.