Maruyama Park (Sapporo) (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Maruyama Park (Sapporo)?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Zoo with 200 species, Maruppa playground, flat walking trails, and ball fields keep kids busy; diaper tables and picnic benches ease breaks, though forest slopes still require supervision.
![Sapporo Maruyama Park Walking Tour - Hokkaido Japan [4K/HDR/Binaural]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5zzAgaQqey0/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Free zoo entry for kids: Children in junior high or younger enter Sapporo Maruyama Zoo free, reducing cost for families.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Most main walkways are paved and gently graded, making it easy to push strollers near the shrine and through the forest.
- On-site playground: Maruppa playground near the zoo gate offers varied equipment for children aged 3 to 12.
Challenges:
- Scattered attractions: Zoo, shrine, and picnic spots are spread out; kids may tire on the 1 km walks between them.
- Limited food stalls: Only a few vendors near the zoo and shrine; bringing extra snacks can prevent hunger meltdowns.
- Mud after rain: Dirt trails can get slippery when wet; pack a change of shoes or boots for kids.
What is Maruyama Park (Sapporo)?
- An expansive urban park spanning over 70 hectares at the western foothills of Maruyama in Sapporo
- A designated natural monument preserving primeval forest stands of water sycamore, Japanese incense tree, hackberry and Ezo mountain cherry
- A multifaceted cultural landscape anchored by Hokkaido Shrine and complemented by Maruyama Zoo alongside baseball and athletic stadiums
What is so special about Maruyama Park (Sapporo) for with kids?
- Over 210 animal species with free entry for kids in Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
- Maruppa playground and open fields for safe kid-friendly play
- Stroller-friendly forest trails with chances to spot wild birds
- Central pond picnic tables ideal for family lunches by the water
- Cultural visit to Hokkaido Shrine with ema-wishing for hands-on fun
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2–3 hour visit lets families explore the zoo, shrine, and picnic spots without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
Sapporo Maruyama Zoo:
See over 210 animal species across 22.5 hectares.
Tip: Buy zoo tickets online to skip the line and start at Maruppa playground right outside the zoo gate to let kids warm up.
Maruppa Playground:
Enjoy slides, swings, and climbing frames designed for toddlers to grade-schoolers.
Tip: Sit on nearby benches and bring a snack break to keep energy high between play sessions.
Picnic by the Pond:
Lay out lunch on central pond tables and watch wild ducks swim by.
Tip: Arrive before noon to grab a table and pick up bento boxes from nearby vendors.
Gentle Forest Trail:
Follow a flat, 30-minute paved loop through mixed forest to spot birds and squirrels.
Tip: Give kids a small pair of binoculars to look for black woodpeckers around the cedar trees.
Hokkaido Shrine Visit:
Walk the stone approach to the shrine and explore century-old elms and cypresses.
Tip: Let kids write wishes on ema plaques at the shrine hall for a cultural memento.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
- Arrive early: Start at the zoo when it opens to avoid crowds and secure parking or subway spots.
- Use Park Center services: Pick up a park map and borrow a wheelchair or stroller free of charge at the Park Center before exploring.
- Plan a midday picnic: Schedule lunch at the pond tables to break up sightseeing and keep kids refreshed.
Reviews of Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
Ariel Cabrera Foix
We visited in November, planning to do some birdwatching and see if we can find squirrels. The park was perfectly described with the word 'koyo', as the autumn foliage was outstanding! In the pond we found a group of Mandaring Ducks, Mallards and other songbirds. We also found squirrels! Some people offered nuts and acorns. Don't feed the crows! If you visit this park, I'd recommend to also see t...
Ken Ip
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.
Oil Chou
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.
Melinda
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....
Joeyy Weeii
Visited Maruyama Park in early spring while there was still snow on the ground, and it was absolutely magical. The park was peaceful and quiet, with snow-covered trees and paths that made it feel like a winter wonderland. It’s a great spot for a calm walk and taking in the beauty of nature even in the colder months. The nearby Hokkaido Shrine surrounded by snow was especially beautiful. Definitely...
When is the best time to visit Maruyama Park (Sapporo) (Sapporo, Japan)?
Visit in late April–early May for hanami under 120 Ezo cherry trees. In early June, catch the Hokkaido Shrine Festival with portable shrines and drumming. Enjoy vibrant elm and maple leaves on forest paths in mid-October.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Zoo admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,600 |
| Picnic lunch supplies | JPY 1,000 |
| Subway round-trip (4 guests) | JPY 1,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,200 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
Address: Japan, 〒064-0959 北海道札幌市中央区宮ケ丘３
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About Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 11-621-045310 BEST nearby Activities
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