Goryokaku

Cool spot for history buffs and design lovers

We visited here a couple of years ago and I was surprised at how interesting it was. The Goryokaku is a fort which was designed in its unique star shape to optimize functionality - it meant that more ammunition could be placed around the perimeter, and it also limited blind spots. Personally I just thought it was super cool from a design perspective. We visited in late summer, I'd love to go back during cherry blossom season when the area is filled with pretty sakura blooms!