Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park, located in the central area of Sapporo, is one of the most popular and bustling cherry blossom viewing spots in the city. The park covers an area of 600,000 square meters (150 acres), which is about the size of 80 football fields, has trees such as magnolia, maple, oak, osmanthus fragrans, and cherry blossom trees, and has been designated as a national natural monument. In addition, there are sports facilities, children’s playing areas, and cultural activity venues for leisure and entertainment, where you can see the real life of the locals.Best Things to Do & See in Maruyama Park
1. Cherry Blossom Viewing
Maruyama Park has over 1,700 cherry blossom trees, and April is the best time to view them. During this time, the entire park is covered in cherry blossoms, with pink and white blossoms alternating. When the wind blows, it feels like a cherry blossom rain, making it very romantic.2. Maruyama Zoo
Maruyama Zoo, located within the vast Maruyama Park, is one of only four zoos in Hokkaido. The zoo features approximately 150 species of animals, including the most popular polar bears, red pandas, penguins, and large feline species. In the winter, the zoo is covered in snow, creating a white landscape, and visitors can watch giraffes and lions walking around in the snow, which is a unique sight that cannot be seen in other zoos. Additionally, the zoo has an exhibition area for visitors to learn the living habits of animals and a display area for endemic species, including the small Southern Flying Squirrel and the big Ursus arctos yesoensis, a kind of brown bear.Tickets: 800 yen; Group ticket for 30 or more members: 720 yen
Opening hours:
●March to October: 9:30 - 16:30, last admission at 16:00
●November to February: 9:30 - 16:00, last admission at 15:30
●Closed days: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month; December 29-31
Note: The closing days may change; the above information is for reference only.
3. Hokkaido Jingu
Hokkaido Jingu, located on the hillside of Maruyama Park, is one of the most important shrines in Hokkaido and was originally built to pray for the gods to bless Hokkaido with peace and prosperity. The shrine's architectural style is elegant and simple, integrating the characteristics of traditional Japanese shrine architecture, such as torii and worship halls, showing a strong Japanese cultural atmosphere. In addition, there are towering trees such as elms and cypresses that are over 100 years old in the shrine, and wild birds such as black woodpeckers gather there, making it an excellent place to observe birds.Admission fee: Free admission
Opening hours: 6:00 - 17:00
4. Hiking
It must be a good experience to walk along the promenade, enjoy the flowers, and breathe the fresh air. There is a row of Avalokiteshvara statues on the promenade to bless the people who come to this park. The nearby residents will dress them up with clothes and hats as the season’s change, which is very interesting. It takes about 40 minutes from the entrance to the top of the mountain.5. Watch the sports game
There are sports facilities such as the Maruyama Baseball Field, Maruyama Athletic Field, and Maruyama Park Sakashita Baseball Field in Maruyama Park, where sports competitions are often held. Here, you can not only watch sports competitions but also play volleyball and enjoy the fun of sports.Best Time to Visit the Maruyama Park
The best time to see it is in April, when the cherry blossoms are at their best, and in winter, when the entire park is covered in snow.How to Get to Maruyama Park?
1. By subway
From Sapporo Station, take the Namboku Line to Odori Station, transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Maruyama Koen Station. Take Exit 3, walk west for about 350 meters (380 yards), turn right at the third intersection, and walk 150 meters (160 yards) to Maruyama Park. It takes about 25 minutes.2. By bus
→From Sapporo Station, walk about 50 meters (55 yards) south, turn right, walk about 50 meters (55 yards), turn left, and walk about 150 meters (160 yards) to Sapporo Eki mae.→Take the bus bound for Otaru Eki mae Bus Terminal and get off at Maruyama Daiichi Torii.
→Walk south to the first intersection, turn right, walk about 600 meters (660 yards), turn left, and walk about 300 meters (330 yards) to Maruyama Park.
It takes about 30 minutes.
3. By taxi
It takes about 15 minutes by taxi from Sapporo Station to Maruyama Park.Admission fee:
Free admissionOpening time:
All dayTips for Visiting Maruyama Park
1. There are no shops inside the park, so please bring enough food and water.2. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
3. If you encounter some wild animals in the park, such as squirrels, do not get too close or scare them.