Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo! I’m a true local, born and raised in Sapporo, and I’ve been living in this city for over 40 years. This time, I want to introduce a place I wholeheartedly recommend to you folks visiting Sapporo from overseas: Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu).
I’m not just going to give you the pretty stuff you find in guidebooks. I’ll honestly share the real charms and little tips that only a local would know, so I hope you find it helpful! I won’t embellish or exaggerate things unnecessarily. My goal is to convey the “real face” of Maruyama and the Shrine as we locals experience it every day.
Why Recommend Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine?
Sapporo has many tourist spots, but these two are special. First off, they’re right next to each other, which is great because you can enjoy both in one go. And above all, even though they’re so close to central Sapporo, they offer the perfect combination: rich nature and the solemn atmosphere of Hokkaido’s most prestigious shrine. It’s an urban oasis and a spiritual power spot. For us locals, too, it’s a place deeply rooted in our lives – for walks, for refreshing our minds, and for visiting during important life events.
Besides, if you want to experience that authentic, traditional Japanese cultural vibe, like you find at shrines and temples, I honestly think Hokkaido Shrine is the best place in Hokkaido to do it easily, affordably, and accessibly, while still being prestigious. It’s easy to get to, there’s no entrance fee, yet you can feel a genuine sacred atmosphere. Places like this are hard to come by.
A Local’s Take on Maruyama Park’s Charm
Maruyama Park isn’t just for tourists; it’s a relaxing haven for us Sapporo citizens too. It’s more than just a large park.
Rich Nature in the City
Maruyama Park Official Website (Official English site – this should be correct!)
Step into the park, and the hustle and bustle of the city seem to disappear. There are many old, large trees, showing different faces throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, stunning autumn foliage, and pure white snowscapes in winter. The cherry blossom season in spring is particularly lively, with lots of people coming for hanami (flower viewing). It can get crowded enough to make finding a spot tricky, but the atmosphere is worth experiencing at least once! Strolling under the red and yellow leaves in autumn is incredibly pleasant too.
And personally, I especially recommend winter! Walking the quiet, snow-covered path from Maruyama Park towards the shrine has a truly special atmosphere. Seeing the pure white snow piled thickly on the trees, sparkling in the sunlight in the quiet space, feels like it cleanses your soul. It’s genuinely beautiful.
A Glimpse into Local Daily Life
Here, you’ll see people walking their dogs, joggers, families pushing strollers, people reading on benches… various people spending their time in their own ways. It’s not just a tourist spot; it’s a place where you can feel the everyday atmosphere of Sapporo. The unpretentious, natural side of Sapporo is right here.
Maruyama Zoo is Right Next Door!
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo (English page available – machine translated)
If you have extra time, stopping by Maruyama Zoo, adjacent to the park, is also a good idea. It’s particularly popular with families. They’re famous for polar bears and snow leopards, among other animals. The zoo’s admission fees and opening hours can change, so this is info from when the article was written; make sure to check the latest information on their official website before you go!
The Charm of Hokkaido’s Guardian Shrine, Hokkaido Shrine
As you walk deeper into Maruyama Park, you should feel a change in the air. That’s the entrance to Hokkaido Shrine.
Hokkaido’s Most Important Shrine
Hokkaido Jingu Shrine (Official English Website)
Hokkaido Shrine is the sochinju (guardian shrine) for all of Hokkaido, meaning it’s the most prestigious shrine on the island. It’s a historical site built in the Meiji era to enshrine the deities of Hokkaido’s development.
Refreshing Air and Solemn Atmosphere
The shrine grounds are spacious and surrounded by tall trees, so even in summer, it’s cool, and the air feels crisp and clean. Just walking along the main path towards the main hall (honden) can make you feel cleansed. I think it’s a place with the power to let you forget the noisy everyday life and quietly face yourself.
Actually, I often come to Hokkaido Shrine on dates with my girlfriend. How should I put it… it has this sacred atmosphere, or rather, a quiet, pure feeling, and it’s a place where I can really feel calm and settled. I understand why people call it a power spot. Of course Japanese people feel it, but I personally think that even you visitors from overseas will probably like this atmosphere. So, I definitely recommend it to you!
There’s just one thing I’d like you to keep in mind. Shrines are fundamentally solemn and important places, so please be mindful of your manners and try to spend your time quietly, refraining from behavior that would disturb other worshippers, like being too rowdy or shouting. Photography might be prohibited in certain areas, so pay attention to signs. Of course, there’s absolutely no problem with quietly looking around, praying, or just enjoying the atmosphere, so please relax and enjoy yourself!
More Than Just Praying
Of course, praying is the most important thing, but there’s more to do:
- Temizuya (or Chozuya): First, purify your hands and mouth here before praying; it’s proper etiquette.
- Omikuji: Trying your luck with a fortune slip is fun. They might have English versions, so look around.
- Ema: These are wooden plaques where you write your wishes and dedicate them. Seeing ema written in various languages is interesting.
- Goshuin: A seal stamp you can receive as proof of your visit to the shrine. Many people collect them.
- Jingu Chaya (Shrine Tea House): At the rest house within the grounds. This place is highly recommended! It’s run by the confectionery company Rokkatei, famous for Hokkaido souvenirs like the “Marusei Butter Sand.” Their specialty here, which you can only get at this spot, is a freshly grilled rice cake called “Hangansama” (¥140 each). And it’s delicious! I often stop by with my girlfriend during walks to have a Hangansama and some free tea. Seriously, it has a wonderful atmosphere and is very relaxing, so I really hope you’ll drop by!
Seasonal Events
- New Year (Hatsumode): From January 1st to 3rd, it gets incredibly crowded with worshippers making their hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) to pray for good fortune. Generally, quite a lot of people come to pray for about two weeks starting from New Year’s Day. During this time, lots of demise (food stalls/booths) pop up along the paths and in the grounds, offering various foods like yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), etc. This is highly recommended! You can experience Japanese New Year culture, the atmosphere is great, and filling up on some tasty snacks is just fantastic. However, it’s outdoors in Sapporo in winter, so it’s genuinely cold! Make sure to dress warmly and take full precautions against the cold! Also, don’t even think about driving here during this period. The parking lots and surrounding roads get super congested to the point of gridlock, so taking the subway and walking from the station is absolutely the smartest choice!
- Sapporo Festival (Hokkaido Shrine Grand Festival): A major festival held annually from June 14th to 16th. While mikoshi (portable shrines) carrying deities parade through the city, a huge number of food stalls set up especially in Nakajima Park, a large park near Susukino in central Sapporo! Food, games, toys… there’s lots, and it’s bustling with Sapporo citizens until night, making it Sapporo’s biggest festival. Hokkaido Shrine itself is also very busy with many people.
Local Tips: How to Enjoy More
How to Get There
The most convenient way is to take the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line and get off at “Maruyama Koen Station”. It’s a short walk (about 5 minutes?) from the station to the park entrance. To reach the main shrine building, give yourself about 15 minutes for a leisurely walk through the park.
There are buses too, but I think the subway is easier to understand and faster. Transportation fares and schedules can change, so this is just a guideline. Don’t forget to check the latest information yourself before you go!
Recommended Visiting Times/Seasons
- Less Crowded Times: If you want a quiet, slow-paced visit, weekday mornings are the best. Weekends and holidays naturally get busier. It tends to get particularly crowded around lunchtime.
- Crowded Periods:
- Cherry Blossom Season (Usually around Golden Week, late April to early May): During this time, Maruyama Park is one of Sapporo’s most famous spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). So, when it coincides with Golden Week, a long holiday period in Japan, hordes of people visit for hanami. The Japanese custom of “hanami” isn’t just about looking at the blossoms; it’s a culture of spreading out tarps under the trees and having parties like social gatherings with friends, family, or colleagues, drinking alcohol, eating bento boxes, and sometimes having barbecues. That’s why the park is incredibly lively during this season! Finding a spot is tough, but it’s the best way to experience the Japanese spring atmosphere.
- Golden Week period (often overlaps with cherry blossom season)
- Sapporo Festival period (June 14th-16th)
- Autumn Foliage season (mid to late October)
- Shichi-Go-San season (weekends in October-November, a festival for children)
- Year-end and New Year period (especially the hatsumode period from Jan 1st to around 15th) These times are lively with many people, but be prepared for full parking lots, potentially long waits to pray at the shrine, or difficulty finding a spot for hanami. It’s best to go with plenty of time.
Estimated Time Needed
- Quick Visit to Both: If you just want a brief stroll in the park and a prayer at the shrine, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Leisurely Enjoyment: If you plan to walk through the park thoroughly, take a break at Jingu Chaya for a Hangansama, draw an omikuji, etc., then about 3.5 hours should be good to fully enjoy it.
- Including the Zoo: You’ll want to add another 2-3 hours for that.
Cost Estimate
- Maruyama Park entrance is free.
- Entering the Hokkaido Shrine grounds is also free.
- Osaisen (offerings): Money you voluntarily put in the offering box when praying. Any amount is fine.
- Omikuji (fortunes): Usually around ¥100-¥200.
- Ema (votive plaques): Around ¥500-¥1000.
- Omamori (amulets): Depends on the type, but roughly ¥500-¥1500.
- Goshuin (shrine seal): Generally ¥300-¥500.
- Jingu Chaya’s Hangansama: ¥140 each (as of April 2025).
- Maruyama Zoo requires a separate admission fee.
Nearby Information
The Maruyama area is known as one of Sapporo’s particularly stylish neighborhoods. How to put it… it’s not exactly a “celebrity town,” but it has an image of a sophisticated area with many nice cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and lovely residences – a somewhat calm, mature vibe. After strolling through the shrine and park, wandering around this area and taking a break at a cafe that catches your eye is also a highly recommended way to spend time.
Conclusion: Definitely Visit When You’re in Sapporo!
Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine are truly charming places where you can feel Sapporo’s nature, culture, and the daily life of its locals. They might not be flashy, but they’re sure to provide you with calm, enriching moments that will stay in your memory. Don’t forget the Hangansama at Jingu Chaya!
I hope this article helps with your Sapporo trip planning. Travel safe and have a great time! See ya!
