Information
Landmark: Maruyama ZooCity: Sapporo
Country: Japan
Continent: Asia
Maruyama Zoo, Sapporo, Japan, Asia
Overview
Maruyama Zoo (円山動物園, Maruyama Dōbutsuen) sits in Sapporo, Hokkaido, drawing crowds eager to see everything from snow leopards to shy red pandas.One of Japan’s oldest zoos, it’s a lively, family-friendly spot where you can watch red-crowned cranes from Hokkaido and exotic creatures from far beyond.It sits just a short walk from Maruyama Park, making it a perfect spot for a day trip when you’re out exploring.Number one.Maruyama Zoo sits just beside Maruyama Park, right in the heart of Sapporo, where the air smells faintly of pine after rain.You can reach it quickly by bus or train, so it’s an easy stop for locals grabbing coffee or tourists exploring the city.The zoo usually opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 5 PM, though hours can shift with the season-on summer evenings, you might catch the sun dipping low behind the giraffe enclosure.Check the hours ahead of time-on a frosty January afternoon, the zoo might shut its gates well before sunset or stay closed for a holiday.Admission fees are reasonable, and kids, seniors, and groups get a break-enough to cover ice cream at the snack stand.Adults usually pay about ¥600 to get in, while kids and seniors enjoy a lower price-enough to save you the cost of an ice cream.Number two.Maruyama Zoo houses over a thousand animals from more than a hundred species, from Hokkaido deer grazing quietly to bright-feathered parrots chattering in the trees.You’ll find some of the zoo’s main attractions here, starting with the first one.One of the zoo’s biggest draws is the chance to see creatures native to Hokkaido and Japan’s far north, like the Ezo deer grazing in the crisp mountain air.In Hokkaido’s biting winter air, visitors can spot hardy wildlife such as Ezo deer, brown bears, and the striking red-crowned cranes.The zoo takes special pride in its Hokkaido wildlife exhibits, where you can watch snow monkeys huddle in the frosty air and learn how wild boars and foxes survive the region’s bitter winters.Number two.At Maruyama Zoo, the polar bear exhibit draws crowds, offering a close-up view of these powerful animals as they roam across a broad, icy enclosure.Visitors flock to the polar bear exhibit, especially in the warmer months, when the bears splash through the water and roam in plain sight.The zoo features an education center where you can watch short videos, see polar bear fur up close, and learn about their icy habitat, diet, and the work being done to keep them safe.Three.Large Cats & Big Animals - the zoo houses several species, from the deep orange flash of a tiger’s coat to the steady gaze of a lion.Visitors often flock to see these powerful animals, drawn to the raw beauty and sheer strength of nature’s top predators-the low rumble in their chests is enough to make your skin prickle.You’ll also spot some of the zoo’s biggest residents-giraffes stretching their necks, zebras with sharp black-and-white stripes, massive elephants, and hefty hippopotamuses.The zoo works hard to mimic each animal’s natural habitat, giving them roomy enclosures and toys to nudge at or climb for comfort and health.Number four.Another crowd favorite is the penguin exhibit, where visitors linger to watch them shuffle across the snow, especially in the chill of winter.At Maruyama Zoo, a large penguin enclosure lets visitors watch the birds waddle past on sturdy feet, slip into the water, and chatter with one another.Each winter, the penguins waddle out across the snow in a gentle parade, tiny feet crunching on the ice-a rare treat that delights both families and animal lovers.Five.If you love reptiles and amphibians, head to Maruyama Zoo’s Reptile House, where snakes coil in warm glass tanks, lizards bask under heat lamps, and turtles and frogs wait quietly in their enclosures.At the zoo, you’ll find reptiles and amphibians from every corner of the globe, each displayed with signs that describe where they live and how they hunt or hide.Number six.Bird Exhibits The zoo showcases everything from sharp-eyed eagles and silent owls to chattering parrots and flamingos flashing pink feathers.Visitors can step into a dedicated aviary and wander among the vibrant birds, hearing the rustle of wings in a setting that feels like the wild.Seven.For younger guests, the zoo has a cozy petting area where kids can stroke soft rabbits, feed curious goats, and watch sheep nibble at the grass.Kids can have a blast learning about animals and how to care for them, maybe even feeding a goat or brushing a pony, all while getting hands-on and involved.At the Children’s Zoo, kids can get up close to the animals-maybe feel the soft brush of a goat’s fur-while staff keep everything safe and carefully managed.Number three.Penguin March (冬のペンギン行進) is a winter highlight at the zoo, with the birds shuffling past visitors in one of its most beloved seasonal events.In winter, visitors can watch a lively penguin parade as the birds waddle through the snowy zoo paths, their black-and-white feathers bright against the frost.Spring and summer bring the zoo to life with special events-keeper talks, animal feedings where you can hear the crunch of carrots, and hands-on activities for visitors.It’s a great way to get to know the animals and see how they’re cared for each day, from feeding them fresh hay to brushing their coats smooth.Autumn Foliage: The zoo’s a great place to visit in the fall, when Maruyama Park around it glows with red and gold leaves rustling in the breeze.Stroll the zoo’s winding paths and blooming gardens, soaking up the season’s colors while pausing to watch the animals.Number four.At Maruyama Zoo, you’ll find the Zoo Café and a few food stalls where you can pick up a hot coffee or a quick bite.You’ll usually find Japanese-style snacks, a scoop of ice cream, and other light bites.It’s the perfect spot to pause and rest, maybe sip some water, before heading to the next animal display.Gift Shop: The zoo’s gift shop offers souvenirs ranging from soft plush animals to mugs with tiger prints, along with keychains and postcards you can slip into your pocket.They’re perfect keepsakes from your trip-something you can hold onto, like a smooth seashell from the beach.Rest areas and benches are scattered all over the zoo, perfect for taking a break and soaking in the view-maybe watch the koi ripple the pond while you rest.The zoo’s winding paths invite you to wander at your own pace, making it a pleasant, easy place to while away a few hours.Number five.Spring (April to May) is a wonderful time to visit the zoo, with mild air on your cheeks and pale pink cherry blossoms drifting down in Maruyama Park.This is the perfect moment to wander the zoo, then linger in the park where the grass smells fresh after the morning watering.Summer (June to August): It can get warm, but tall trees cast plenty of shade, and the zoo feels calm and inviting.Now’s the perfect moment to check out the animal exhibits, especially the ones where water-loving creatures splash and play-like penguins darting through the pool or hippos lounging in the shallows.Autumn, from September to November, is breathtaking in Maruyama Park, when the trees blaze with reds, oranges, and yellows that glow in the crisp air.This is a perfect time to head to the zoo, watch the tiger stretch in the sun, and take in the area’s natural beauty.Winter (December to February): It’s a magical season to visit, especially when you watch the penguins shuffle across the snowy shore.Cold weather keeps the crowds away, so you can wander in quiet, hearing only the crunch of your boots on the path.Number six.To reach Maruyama Zoo from Sapporo Station, just hop on the subway-it’s the quickest route, and you’ll be there before your coffee cools.
