Maruyama Zoo: Revitalizing Hokkaido’s Iconic Wildlife Destination
Maruyama Zoo, with a rich 65-year history, has undergone significant enhancements to regain its popularity among both Sapporo residents and visitors from across Hokkaido. While visitor numbers had declined in past decades, the success of Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, renowned for its innovative animal presentations, inspired Maruyama Zoo to revamp its offerings. This resurgence has attracted a growing number of zoo enthusiasts, young families, and couples.
In 2007, Sapporo City formulated a visionary plan for the zoo’s future, resulting in the completion of the Hokkaido Shika Deer House and Wolf House in 2008, followed by the Hokkaido Bear House in 2010, the Reptile and Amphibian House in 2011, and the Asia Zone in 2012. This autumn, 2015, marks the introduction of two new zones: the Africa Zone and the New Monkey Mountain. Future plans include the construction of a new Polar Bear and Seal House by 2017 and an Elephant House by 2018.
With these developments, Maruyama Zoo is set to offer even more excitement and fascination to its visitors.
Recommended Winter Tour in Maruyama Zoo
Stating at West gate.
1. Frigid Zone(寒帯館)
The Panthera tigris altaica, also known as the Siberian tiger, inhabits the western regions of Siberia, Russia. These magnificent creatures measure about 4 meters in length and can be observed up close through specially designed viewing windows. Witnessing their feeding time is a thrilling experience.
2. High Mountain Zone(高山館)
Come and meet our adorable red pandas! Watch them joyfully playing in the snow, their favorite environment.
3. Tropical Plant house(熱帯植物館)
Many Japanese monkeys gather together, huddling close and warming each other. It’s truly heartwarming to see.
4. Ezoshika/Hokkaido deer and Eastern timber wolf house
The alpha wolf, Jey, and his three children are running in the snowy enclosure, displaying their natural wild behavior during feeding time. It’s a truly exciting and fascinating sight to behold.
5. Out-door Stage(野外ステージ前)
You can witness the majestic free flight of black kites and horned owls at the zoo. These well-trained birds gracefully soar right before your eyes, and you even have the opportunity to participate in their training sessions.
6. Tropical Bird house(熱帯鳥類館)
The house underwent renovations and reopened on February 1, 2015.
7. Small Zoo for Kids(こども動物園)
There are many animals that visitors can interact with, including sheep, horses, ducks, rabbits, and more.
Open Hours
- Feb. 1 – Oct. 31: 9:00 – 17:00
- Nov. 1 – Jan. 31: 9:00 – 16:00
Parking
- Large Vehicle: 1,200Yen(lncluding buses and large-size special cars)
- Medium Vehicle: 1,000Yen(Microbuses)
- Standard Car: 700Yen(lncluding compact cars and small-size special vehicles)
- Two-wheeled Vehicle: 100Yen(Motorcycles)
Access
Subway+Bus
- Take a Tozai Line to Maruyama Kouen(円山公園).
- EXIT from No.2.
- Take a bus(円15 動物園線) to Maruyama Zoo(動物園前) or a bus(円14 荒井山線) to Sogo-Ground-Mae(総合グランド前).
Subway+Walk
- To walk, EXIT from No.3 for Maruyama Park(円山公園), Maruyama Zoo(円山動物園), Hokkaido Jingu(北海道神宮)
- 15min walking through the Maruyama Park.
Subway+Taxi
- Take a Taxi if there are more than 3 people, just 3 min.
Neighborhood
- Hokkaido Jingu shrine
- Maruyama Stadium Skate Link
- Maruyama Koen Park
- Maruyama Baseball Stadium
- Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
- Sapporo Winter Sports Museum
- Miyanomori Ski Jump Stadium
- Maruyama Hachiju Hakkasho
- Horomitoge Lavendar Garden
- Atelier Root3
