Maruyama Park Sapporo
Sapporo's Maruyama Park offers stunning seasonal beauty, from vibrant spring blossoms to a magical winter wonderland, featuring a shrine and zoo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak cherry & plum blossom season
Maruyama Park Sapporo
Best Time
Peak cherry & plum blossom season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sapporo's Maruyama Park offers stunning seasonal beauty, from vibrant spring blossoms to a magical winter wonderland, featuring a shrine and zoo.
"A beautiful park with blossoms and a peaceful atmosphere, especially magical in winter."
🌸 Blossom Forecast Check
Confirm bloom status before visiting for peak sakura & ume viewing. :cherry_blossom:
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
The park is very walk-friendly, with clear signs to attractions like the shrine and zoo. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sakura and Ume Blossoms
Throughout the park
Witness a stunning display of cherry and plum blossoms, painting the park in vibrant colors. A must-see in late April/early May.
Hokkaido Shrine
Within Maruyama Park
A serene national shrine offering a peaceful spiritual retreat amidst nature. Beautifully set, especially in winter.
Maruyama Zoo
Within Maruyama Park
Home to a variety of animals, this zoo is a family-friendly attraction nestled within the park's natural setting.
Waterfall Views
Central area of the park
Enjoy the scenic 15-meter waterfall, offering picturesque views and a tranquil spot to relax.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Blossom Visit
Embrace the Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Blossom Forecast Check
Confirm bloom status before visiting for peak sakura & ume viewing. :cherry_blossom:
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
The park is very walk-friendly, with clear signs to attractions like the shrine and zoo. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Warm Up with Coffee
Grab a coffee near the entrance to warm up before exploring, especially in colder months. :coffee:
🆓 Free Winter Sledding
Enjoy free sledding or tubing on a designated hill during winter. :sled:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Blossom Forecast Check
Confirm bloom status before visiting for peak sakura & ume viewing. :cherry_blossom:
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
The park is very walk-friendly, with clear signs to attractions like the shrine and zoo. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Warm Up with Coffee
Grab a coffee near the entrance to warm up before exploring, especially in colder months. :coffee:
🆓 Free Winter Sledding
Enjoy free sledding or tubing on a designated hill during winter. :sled:
🍫 Sweet Souvenirs
Find local sweets and cakes at the souvenir shop near the shrine. :cookie:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maruyama Park is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, especially its vibrant cherry and plum blossoms in spring and its magical snow-covered landscapes in winter. Visitors appreciate the free entry, the peaceful atmosphere, and the family-friendly attractions like the zoo and winter sledding. Some note that it can be a bit of a walk from the nearest station, but the beauty of the park makes it worthwhile.
"Large beautiful walking park, great for viewing sakura (cherry blossoms) and Ume (plum blossoms) if you’re visiting in late April, early May! The park offers an abundance of different kinds of blossoms to enjoy.
We arrived at the beginning of the season and were able to enjoy various stages of the blooms, from buds to full blossoms.
Vendors line the walkways selling various food and drink items.
It was lovely to see so many people, of all ages, out enjoying nature and beauty
Highly recommend visiting this park during your stay in Sapporo!
There is no charge to visit the park- it’s free!"
Melinda
"A bit walk from station and the park is very beautiful with flowers from sakura and plum trees.
We went there on weekday. Not so crowded. Great place to sit down and absorb the beauty of nature.
Further inside, there are popular sweet shop, the shrines and the zoo. Just follow the signs and you will not get lost."
Oil Chou
"Visited May 14, 2025.
A very walk-friendly park. Still could catch the last glimsp of the cherry blossom.
Thereès a shrine, souvenir shop (with local sweets/cakes). Public toilets are free and very clean."
Ken Ip
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maruyama Park is accessible via public transport. Take the Tozai Subway Line to Maruyama Koen Station, which is a short walk from the park entrance.
Yes, it's relatively close to other popular spots. The Hokkaido Shrine is within the park, and the Sapporo Zoo is also located here.
Several bus routes stop near Maruyama Park, offering convenient access from different parts of Sapporo. Check local bus schedules for the most direct routes.
Limited parking is available, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom viewing. Public transport is generally recommended.
The park is very walkable. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the paths, shrine, and zoo. :athletic_shoe:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Maruyama Park itself is free to enter. However, there are admission fees for attractions within the park, such as the Maruyama Zoo.
The park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific attractions like the zoo and shrine have their own operating hours.
No advance ticket purchase is necessary for the park itself. Tickets for the zoo can usually be purchased at the entrance.
During cherry blossom season, vendors often line the walkways selling food and drinks. Winter also offers unique activities like free sledding.
Admission fees for the Maruyama Zoo are typically around ¥800 for adults. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
🎫 🌸 Spring Blooms
The peak season for cherry blossoms (sakura) in Maruyama Park is usually from late April to early May.
Yes, Maruyama Park is also known for its plum blossoms (ume), which typically bloom slightly earlier than the cherry blossoms, often in early to mid-April.
You can check online resources like Sakura Navi or local Sapporo tourism websites for real-time bloom status updates.
During blossom season, the park is lively with people enjoying picnics, vendors selling food, and a festive atmosphere.
The entire park offers beautiful blossom views, but the main walking paths and areas around the Hokkaido Shrine are particularly popular.
🎫 ❄️ Winter Wonderland
In winter, Maruyama Park transforms into a magical snow-covered landscape, offering a peaceful and serene experience.
Yes, families can enjoy free sledding and tubing on a designated hill, making it a fun winter destination. :sled:
Absolutely! The snow-covered trees and quiet atmosphere create a unique, picturesque scene, often compared to scenes from romantic dramas.
Yes, the Hokkaido Shrine is accessible and particularly beautiful when surrounded by snow.
Warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat are essential for a comfortable winter visit. :cloud_snow:
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The blossom-lined paths, the Hokkaido Shrine, and the scenic waterfall are prime locations for photography.
The park is known for its trees and is a habitat for various birds, including the adorable shima-enaga, making it interesting for birdwatchers and photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the park, especially during blossom season.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Maruyama Zoo, but be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or animal welfare.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, commercial photography may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌸 Nature & Blossom Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Maruyama Park's Natural Beauty
Beyond the spring blooms, Maruyama Park offers a unique charm throughout the year. In winter, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees and quiet paths creating a peaceful, almost ethereal ambiance. Visitors can enjoy activities like free sledding and tubing on a dedicated hill, making it a delightful spot for families even in the colder months. The park's natural setting also makes it a haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot various species, including the elusive shima-enaga.
Within the park's expansive grounds, you'll also find the Maruyama Zoo, a popular family attraction showcasing a range of animals. The Hokkaido Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine, offers a place for quiet reflection and cultural immersion. Navigating the park is straightforward, with clear signage guiding visitors to its various points of interest.
Seasonal Highlights and Activities
However, Maruyama Park is far from a one-season wonder. Its winter charm is equally captivating. The snow-dusted landscape provides a serene backdrop for peaceful walks, and the opportunity for free sledding adds a playful element for all ages. The contrast between the vibrant spring and the tranquil winter offers two distinct, yet equally rewarding, ways to experience the park's beauty.
For those interested in wildlife, the park is a known spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for common species and perhaps even the rare white-faced shima-enaga. The presence of the Maruyama Zoo and the Hokkaido Shrine within the park grounds further enhances its appeal, offering a blend of nature, recreation, and culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit