Japan/Hokkaido: Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate
Goryakaku Fort is unique in Japan for being shaped like a star and more of a European design then the Japanese. It was built in Hakodate to protect the Tsugaru Strait separating Hokkaido from Honshu against a possible Russian invasion. The fort is perfectly preserved and there is even a tower built right above it to make it possible for visitors to see the star-shaped design which is stunning from above. And you get a panorama of Hakodate with the Mount Hakodate towering the in the distance. A side note – Japanese seem to be obsessed with aerial views: between towers and ropeways (aka cable cars) there’s seemingly unlimited number of possibilities to go up.
