Hey there! As someone who’s lived in Sapporo for 40 years, let me tell you about a place I definitely think visitors from overseas should check out: Sapporo Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo Maruyama Zoo Official Website (English – Machine Translated)). I’ll share some insights you might not find in guidebooks, including some honest thoughts from a local perspective. Hope it helps you plan your visit!
Super Accessible! An Urban Oasis Rich in Nature
One of the best things about Maruyama Zoo is how easy it is to get to. From Odori in central Sapporo, just hop on the Tozai Subway Line, and you’ll be at Maruyama Koen Station in less than 10 minutes, probably. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the zoo through the lush greenery of Maruyama Park. If the weather’s nice, it’s a really pleasant stroll.
There’s also a dedicated bus (JR Bus Zoo Line [円15]) that leaves from the Maruyama Koen Station bus terminal. This might be handy if walking isn’t your thing, or if you’re visiting with small children.
You can find detailed access information on the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau website or the zoo’s official site:
Sapporo City Transportation Bureau (Japanese – Use browser translation)
Access Information – Maruyama Zoo (English – Machine Translated)
(Just a heads-up: Fees and travel times are approximate as of when this was written. Please be sure to check the latest info on the official websites before you go!)
See Animals of the North! What Makes Maruyama Zoo Special
The star of Maruyama Zoo? For many, it’s the polar bears. Seeing them through the underwater tunnel is seriously impressive. If you’re lucky, you might catch them swimming dynamically right in front of you.
[A Local’s Honest Take – Part 1]
For me, though, the Monkey Mountain has always been a strong image associated with Maruyama Zoo. It’s endlessly fascinating to watch so many monkeys living together on one mountain. When I was a kid, I loved feeding them. I think you can still buy monkey food for about 100 or 200 yen somewhere near the mountain (look around!).
Also, the Elephant House was rebuilt recently and looks fantastic. Seeing the Asian elephants living comfortably is quite memorable, and the giraffes nearby are, naturally, very popular too.
Of course, you can’t miss the animals unique to Hokkaido, like Ezo brown bears, Ezo deer, and Ezo squirrels. The red pandas, snow leopards, and Amur tigers (strong against the cold winters) are also crowd-pleasers, each with their own charm or coolness.
Let’s Be Honest for a Sec… and Why It’s Still Great
To be perfectly honest, compared to some world-famous giant zoos, Maruyama Zoo might not feel huge in scale. You can comfortably see most of it in a day.
But, because of that, it feels like a lot of thought has gone into each exhibit. Many displays make you feel close to the animals, and you can see the effort put into explaining their ecology in an easy-to-understand way. I think its compact size is actually a plus – you can enjoy it thoroughly without getting too exhausted.
Who Visits? And Fun Beyond the Zoo
On weekends and holidays, you’ll see a lot of families. You also often spot couples on early dates, which is kind of sweet. On weekdays, you might see groups of elementary school students on field trips. For locals, it’s kind of a standard destination like, “Should we go at least once after having kids?” or “Is it a good place to take relatives’ kids when they visit?”. Well, maybe that’s the same all over the world (haha).
After visiting the zoo, I definitely recommend relaxing in the adjacent Maruyama Park. You can take a break on the large lawns or stroll along the nature paths. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and for the autumn foliage.
[A Local’s Honest Take – Part 2]
Maruyama Park, and the nearby Hokkaido Jingu Shrine (famous as a spiritual “power spot”), are perfect to visit together with the zoo. Just walking around feels great, and you can experience some of Hokkaido’s history and culture. I’ve put together more details about this area in the article below, check it out if you like:
→ Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Jingu Shrine: A Local’s Recommended Way to Enjoy (Internal Link Placeholder)
Helpful Info to Know
Hours, Closing Days & Admission Fees: These can change depending on the season, so always check the official website before you go.
Hours & Admission – Maruyama Zoo (English – Machine Translated)
(Again, this info is from when the article was written, so double-checking the official site for the latest, accurate details is the way to go!)
Crowds: As you’d expect, it tends to get crowded on weekends, public holidays (like Golden Week or Obon), and during school trip seasons (spring/autumn) when the weather is nice. If possible, aim for a weekday, or right when they open or just before closing.
Night Zoo: During summer, they sometimes hold limited-time “Night Zoo” events. It’s interesting to see the animals differently than during the day, but most guidance is in Japanese, so it might be a bit challenging if you don’t understand any Japanese. However, if you’re somewhat used to traveling or living in Japan, it could be a special experience worth planning for.
Food: There are a few restaurants and snack corners inside the zoo. Bringing your own lunch (bento) and having a picnic in Maruyama Park is also a nice option.
Souvenirs: They have a variety of original goods, so take a look for a memento of your trip.
In Conclusion: Definitely Visit Maruyama Zoo When in Sapporo!
It’s easy to reach from Sapporo Station, you can meet animals unique to Hokkaido, and the surrounding environment is wonderful. That’s Maruyama Zoo. It might not be flashy, but I think it’s a lovely place where you can feel the liveliness of the animals and the care of the zookeepers.
It’s great for families, couples, and of course, for those who want to take their time exploring alone. Why not add Maruyama Zoo to your Sapporo sightseeing plans? I’m sure you’ll make some fun memories!
