Maruyama Zoo Sapporo
Located just minutes from central Sapporo, Maruyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's top family-friendly attractions and one of Japan's oldest zoological parks. Surrounded by nature at the base of Mt. Maruyama and adjacent to the famous Hokkaido Shrine, the zoo offers a rare chance to see a wide range of animals up close in thoughtfully designed natural habitats.
Whether you're visiting Sapporo with kids, exploring solo, or just love wildlife, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Maruyama Zoo. Opened in 1951, Maruyama Zoo is the oldest zoo in Hokkaido and spans roughly 22 hectares. It's home to over 160 species and 700 animals, including polar bears, red pandas, snow leopards, and native Hokkaido species like the Ezo brown bear.
Why Visit Maruyama Zoo?
Hokkaido's snowy winters are ideal for species like polar bears and snow leopards. With interactive exhibits, animal feedings, and stroller-friendly paths, it's a hit with kids. Clean, Well-Designed Layout: Easy to navigate with shaded paths and indoor viewing areas — enjoyable in any season. Located inside Maruyama Park and near the Hokkaido Shrine, making it a great addition to a full day of sightseeing.
Polar Bear Pavilion: One of the zoo's most popular spots, this state-of-the-art enclosure features underwater viewing areas and snowy terrain where you can watch the bears swim and play.
Red Pandas: Cute, active, and fun to watch — especially during feeding time.
Asian Elephants: Maruyama Zoo is one of the few places in northern Japan with elephants, thanks to its new and spacious elephant house.
Reptile and Amphibian House: For those who love snakes, lizards, and frogs — this indoor space is a big hit on rainy days.
Hokkaido Native Species Zone: Learn about the animals that naturally inhabit Japan's northernmost island, including deer, owls, and bears.
Children's Petting Zoo: Hands-on area with goats, sheep, rabbits, and other small animals for kids to interact with.
Opening Hours:
Summer (Mid-Mar to Oct): 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Winter (Nov to Mid-Mar): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Closed on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays (and the day after national holidays)
Admission Fee:
Adults (16 and over): ¥800
Children (15 and under): Free
Annual Pass: ¥1,000 (great if you're staying long-term)
Address: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959
How to Get to Maruyama Zoo
By Subway: Take the Tozai Line to Maruyama Koen Station. Exit 3, then walk about 15 minutes through Maruyama Park.
By Bus: Take a JR Hokkaido Bus from Sapporo Station to Dobutsuen-mae (Zoo Entrance).
Tips for Visiting Maruyama Zoo
Arrive Early: Many animals are more active in the morning, especially in summer.
Bring a Camera: The zoo offers great close-up photo opportunities, especially with large glass enclosures.
Check the Feeding Schedule: Times for animal feedings and keeper talks are posted at the entrance daily.
Dress for the Weather: Parts of the zoo are outdoors, so be prepared for snow in winter and sun in summer.
Maruyama Zoo is more than just a zoo — it's a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly destination that showcases both global wildlife and Hokkaido's natural charm. Easy to reach and close to other attractions like Maruyama Park and the Hokkaido Shrine, it makes for a perfect half-day trip in any season.
Located just minutes from central Sapporo, Maruyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's top family-friendly attractions and one of Japan's oldest zoological parks. Surrounded by nature at the base of Mt. Maruyama and adjacent to the famous Hokkaido Shrine, the zoo offers a rare chance to see a wide range of animals up close in thoughtfully designed natural habitats.
Whether you're visiting Sapporo with kids, exploring solo, or just love wildlife, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Maruyama Zoo. Opened in 1951, Maruyama Zoo is the oldest zoo in Hokkaido and spans roughly 22 hectares. It's home to over 160 species and 700 animals, including polar bears, red pandas, snow leopards, and native Hokkaido species like the Ezo brown bear.
Why Visit Maruyama Zoo?
Hokkaido's snowy winters are ideal for species like polar bears and snow leopards. With interactive exhibits, animal feedings, and stroller-friendly paths, it's a hit with kids. Clean, Well-Designed Layout: Easy to navigate with shaded paths and indoor viewing areas — enjoyable in any season. Located inside Maruyama Park and near the Hokkaido Shrine, making it a great addition to a full day of sightseeing.
Polar Bear Pavilion: One of the zoo's most popular spots, this state-of-the-art enclosure features underwater viewing areas and snowy terrain where you can watch the bears swim and play.
Red Pandas: Cute, active, and fun to watch — especially during feeding time.
Asian Elephants: Maruyama Zoo is one of the few places in northern Japan with elephants, thanks to its new and spacious elephant house.
Reptile and Amphibian House: For those who love snakes, lizards, and frogs — this indoor space is a big hit on rainy days.
Hokkaido Native Species Zone: Learn about the animals that naturally inhabit Japan's northernmost island, including deer, owls, and bears.
Children's Petting Zoo: Hands-on area with goats, sheep, rabbits, and other small animals for kids to interact with.
Opening Hours:
Summer (Mid-Mar to Oct): 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Winter (Nov to Mid-Mar): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
Closed on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays (and the day after national holidays)
Admission Fee:
Adults (16 and over): ¥800
Children (15 and under): Free
Annual Pass: ¥1,000 (great if you're staying long-term)
Address: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959
How to Get to Maruyama Zoo
By Subway: Take the Tozai Line to Maruyama Koen Station. Exit 3, then walk about 15 minutes through Maruyama Park.
By Bus: Take a JR Hokkaido Bus from Sapporo Station to Dobutsuen-mae (Zoo Entrance).
Tips for Visiting Maruyama Zoo
Arrive Early: Many animals are more active in the morning, especially in summer.
Bring a Camera: The zoo offers great close-up photo opportunities, especially with large glass enclosures.
Check the Feeding Schedule: Times for animal feedings and keeper talks are posted at the entrance daily.
Dress for the Weather: Parts of the zoo are outdoors, so be prepared for snow in winter and sun in summer.
Maruyama Zoo is more than just a zoo — it's a peaceful, educational, and family-friendly destination that showcases both global wildlife and Hokkaido's natural charm. Easy to reach and close to other attractions like Maruyama Park and the Hokkaido Shrine, it makes for a perfect half-day trip in any season.
Chauffeurs and Car Tours
As a reliable limo and tour company, we provide private transfers and car tours for international travelers to/from Maruyama Zoo. We not only offer the service in Sapporo, but also the car charted service in Hokkaido, such as Niseko, Otaru, etc.Related Articles You May Like
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Japan Office
- Tel: +81 50-3701-6391
- Email: info@japanholiday.com
- Working Hours: 8am-7pm, (Japan)
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