Maruyama Park: Sapporo's Natural Oasis
Discover Sapporo's Maruyama Park: A blend of virgin forest, wildlife, and recreational bliss in the heart of Hokkaido.
Maruyama Park, officially opened in 1957, is a sprawling 68-hectare urban park in Sapporo, designed to mirror Kyoto's famed Maruyama Park. Nestled at the base of Mount Maruyama, the park provides a natural escape with its preserved virgin forest, home to diverse tree species like oak, maple, and katsura. The forest is also a designated wildlife sanctuary, hosting over 100 bird species and various small animals. The park is a hub of activity, featuring attractions such as the Hokkaido Shrine, the city's most important Shinto shrine, established in 1869. The Maruyama Zoo, opened in 1951, houses over 170 animal species in exhibits like the Africa Zone and the Polar Bear exhibit. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Maruyama Baseball Stadium and athletic grounds. Maruyama Park is particularly renowned for its cherry blossoms, drawing large crowds during the hanami season in late April and early May. The park's blend of natural landscapes and recreational facilities makes it a beloved destination for relaxation and recreation.
Local tips
- Visit during late April or early May to experience the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom.
- Explore the Maruyama Zoo to see a diverse range of animals, including polar bears and Hokkaido brown bears.
- Take a walk through the virgin forest to appreciate the park's natural beauty and spot local wildlife.
- Visit Hokkaido Shrine, located within the park, to experience a significant Shinto site.
A brief summary to Maruyama Park
- Miyagaoka, ３, Sapporo, Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Hokkaido, 064-0959, JP
- +8111-621-0453
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Subway and Bus
From Sapporo Station, take the Namboku subway line to Odori Station, then transfer to the Tozai line and head west towards Miyanosawa. Get off at Maruyama-Koen Station. From there, the park is a short walk. Alternatively, take a bus from Odori to Maruyama Park. Bus tickets cost ¥220-¥250.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Sapporo Station to Maruyama Park. The ride is approximately 5 km and takes about 5 minutes, costing between ¥2,000 and ¥2,600.
