Maruyama Hachijyu Hakkasho: Urban Virgin Forest in Sapporo

This place is written as [円山八十八カ所] in Japanese.

Maruyama Hachijyu-Hakkasho (円山八十八カ所) is a pilgrimage route akin to the famous 88 Buddhist temples in Shikoku. Instead of temples, this route features many Jizo statues (bodhisattvas) along the way to the top of Mt. Maruyama. The area surrounding Mt. Maruyama is designated as a natural monument, boasting a virgin forest. It takes about 1 hour to reach the mountaintop, where you can enjoy a splendid view of downtown Sapporo. Maruyama Hachijyu-Hakkasho offers experiences for every season, with many people even hiking in winter.

There are various hiking courses available, and from the summit, you can also trek to Mt. Moiwa via a separate route. Most slopes are gentle enough for children and seniors, but proper preparation with suitable footwear, clothing, water, and snacks is advisable. Even without reaching the summit, you can enjoy leisurely walks around Maruyama Hachijyu-Hakkasho. Being a virgin forest, it retains its wild nature despite being in an urban area like Sapporo.

Furthermore, Maruyama Zoo, located just a 10-minute walk away, has undergone renovations in recent years, introducing new facilities that attract many young couples and families, making it a lively destination.

The entrance to Mt.Maruyama
The entrance to Mt.Maruyama
Ojiso san
Ojiso san
The way to the zoo
This way, just right side of the entrance, links to the Maruyama Zoo. It takes less then 10 minutes.

Access

Subway+Walk

  • Take a Tozai Line(東西線) to Maruyama Kouen(円山公園) .
  • exit No3 for Maruyama Park(円山公園), Maruyama Zoo(円山動物園), Hokkaido Jingu(北海道神宮)
  • 10min walking.

Map

Neighborhood

Maruyama hachijyu-hakkasho
Maruyama hachijyu-hakkasho
円山八十八カ所
author avatar
Hiroshi Mizukoshi painter / writer