Maruyama Park in Sapporo, not to be confused with the Maruyama Park in Kyoto, is a huge park that houses many different attractions and things to see and do. Located under the Maruyama Mountain, the park is home to over 300+ different trees and plants, which depending on the season you’re visiting, can create quite the scenic impression as you take a stroll through the park. There’s over 100 different types of birds located here as well, so avid bird watchers will certainly appreciate the park. Maruyama Park houses a zoo, sports facilities, a public field, a short trail that leads to a great view of the city, and a couple ponds. You could spend an entire day here if you wanted to!

I highlight of the bigger attractions below.

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Technically the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine is not inside Maruyama Park. It’s adjacent to it. But it’s hard to separate the two and if you’re visiting one the other one makes sense to visit as well.

The shrine is significant in Hokkaido due to it being the enshrinement of three Shinto deities – Okunitama, Onamuchi, and Sukunahikona. A fourth spirit, Emperor Meiji, has been included as well. It is very much a shrine of spiritual significance.

The area, much like Maryuma Park, becomes quite popular during cherry blossom season since it’s regarded as one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in all of Hokkaido.

Maruyama Zoo

Maruyama Zoo has been inside Maruyama Park since 1951, so it has a long history with the park. It houses over 170 different species within it including polar bears, wolves, deer, elephants, giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees, and brown bears, just to name a few. The zoo is quite massive as you’d imagine with so many different species. It’s pretty impressive. I wasn’t expecting it to be so large to be honest, and wasn’t expecting to stay as long as I did. But this was an enjoyable afternoon and I devoted around 3-4 hours here.

Maruyama-Hachijuhakkasho Trail

Feel like doing some hiking while at Maruyama Park? You can also do that here! There’s a small, short trail within the park that will take you to a point with a beautiful view of Sapporo. The hike takes about an hour both ways. It’s not overly strenous. It will take you uphill though and I was a little winded to be honest. If you take your time and take breaks if needed you will be rewarded with the view though. Just remember to bring some water along as well. The view is worth it. It’s really is quite nice!