History
The Shiryokaku fort is Goryokaku’s lesser known little brother. Its sits on a gentle slope about three kilometers northeast of Goryokaku and was intended to protect that fort’s rear against attack. “Shiryokaku” literally means “four-sided fortification” (“Goryokaku” means “five-sided fortification”). It is a very simple affair composed of earthen walls with four bastions and surrounded by a dry moat. There is a shielded entrance on the south side. There don’t seem to have been any permanent structures within the walls. Just as Goryokaku is often compared to a star, the shape of Shiryokaku is sometimes compared to a butterfly.
In April, 1869, Shiryokaku was built in just two weeks under the direction of Otori Keisuke, commander-in-chief of the army of the Ezo Republic and his French second in command, Jules Brunet. So it was something of a Franco-Japanese co-production. However, Imperial forces overran the fort in just a few hours on May 11th as the defenders retreated for their last stand in Goryokaku.
The photo above is the view from the Northeast bastion with a clear view of the trench. The tower in the distance marks the site of Goryokaku. Mount Hakodate is behind that to the right.
Visit Notes
Shiryokaku is well worth a visit for hard core castle fans and history buffs. Others might prefer to pass on it, although in the summer it's a great place for kids to catch bugs or for a game of frisbee.
All photos and text donated by RonS
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Shiryokaku Fort |
| Japanese Name | 四稜郭 |
| Founder | Otori Keisuke/Jules Brunet |
| Year Founded | 1869 |
| Castle Type | Flatland |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Designations | National Historic Site |
| Historical Period | Edo Period |
| Main Keep Structure | Earthen walls with four bastions surrounded by a dry moat (trench) |
| Year Reconstructed | Restored in 1934 and 1990 |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | private car, taxi or city bus |
| Visitor Information | |
| Time Required | |
| Website | http://www.hijikata-toshizo.com/k4.htm |
| Location | Hakodate, Hokkaido |
| Coordinates | 41° 49' 32.09" N, 140° 46' 14.88" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2011 |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
| Admin Visits | Viewer Donated |
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