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Maruyama Zoo Sapporo

4.3
·9k reviews·Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo's Maruyama Zoo offers a delightful experience with spacious enclosures for polar bears, red pandas, and penguins, plus a charming winter parad...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

See animals in snowy wonderland

CrowdMedium
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しろくまの双子

Maruyama Zoo Sapporo

Best Time

Winter mornings

See animals in snowy wonderland

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sapporo's Maruyama Zoo offers a delightful experience with spacious enclosures for polar bears, red pandas, and penguins, plus a charming winter parade. TikTokInstagram

4.3
(9k reviews)

"This might genuinely have been one of the best zoos I've been to so far. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Penguin Parade Timing

Arrive early for the penguin parade to get a good view!

👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed

The zoo is on an incline, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 9,468 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade

Penguin Exhibit

Witness adorable penguins waddling in a charming parade, a must-see winter spectacle.

TikTok
Polar Bear Encounter

Polar Bear Encounter

Polar Bear Exhibit

Marvel at the majestic polar bears in their spacious enclosures, a highlight for many visitors.

TikTokReddit
Red Panda Charm

Red Panda Charm

Red Panda Exhibit

Get a glimpse of the elusive and charming red pandas in their naturalistic habitat.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Penguin Parades

The famous penguin parade happens twice daily in winter and once in mid-March. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and check the zoo's website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit. TikTok

Embrace the Terrain

Maruyama Zoo is situated on an incline near the mountain, so be prepared for some walking and uphill climbs. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the spacious enclosures. Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
See animals in snowy wonderland
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
Summer/Autumn
Why
Experience different seasons
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Winter in Sapporo 🐧❄︎🇯🇵 #kenyangbegoxinjepang #kenyangbegox #fyp #sapporo #asahiyamazoo #explorejapan #exploresaporo #explorehokkaido
@kenyangbegox
14.5K likes • 322.9K views

🎯 Penguin Parade Timing

Arrive early for the penguin parade to get a good view! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed

The zoo is on an incline, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. Reddit

Have you been to Sapporo??🇯🇵#japantravel #traveltips #traveltiktok #budgettravel #sapporotravel
@isaac.travels_
9.9K likes • 404.5K views
Tag someone you would like to go with🐒🐻🐘 @maruyamazoo_official Opening times: 9:30-16:30 ( Mar-Oct) 9:30-16:00 ( Nov-Feb) ( Last entrance is 30 min before park closes) Entrance Fee: Adult: 800yen High School Student (16-18years old) 400 yen* Middle School Student and Below ( Under 15): Free* * Student ID is nessecary Access: Odori Station - Tozai Line( 5min) - Maruyama Koen Station - Wal...
visit.sapporo
195 likes • 16.1K views

🎟️ Affordable Admission

Great value at 800 yen for adults, free for kids under 15! Instagram

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Park

Discover local cafes and shops around Maruyama area. Reddit

Kesehatan mental lebih penting, mari kita booking tiket ke jepang 💸🤏🏻 📍Asahiyama Zoo #jepang #hokkaido #travelhacks #TTPetualangNewbie
@vickyardnsyah
5.3K likes • 154.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Penguin Parade Timing

Arrive early for the penguin parade to get a good view! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed

The zoo is on an incline, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. Reddit

🎟️ Affordable Admission

Great value at 800 yen for adults, free for kids under 15! Instagram

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Park

Discover local cafes and shops around Maruyama area. Reddit

📱 Check Schedule Online

Verify parade times and zoo hours before your visit. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Maruyama Zoo for its spacious enclosures, diverse animal collection, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a worthwhile visit. While some note a lack of certain animals or empty stalls, the overall experience is highly positive, especially for its affordable admission and engaging exhibits like the penguin parade. TikTokReddit

"One of the best zoos I've ever visited! The zoo grounds is immense and never feel cramped. Most of the animals have large enclosures with indoor and outdoor spaces, so they can roam around during different seasons and not feel trapped. We saw a large assortment of animals here (birds are a bit lackluster but that's ok. There's a different place for that). The polar bear was hiding when we visited and no hippo! Don't know what happened to it.
The zoo restaurant is not bad too!
Overall it's an excellent place to visit!
The zoo is open air and on an incline since this is near the mountain so you have to come prepared for that."

Jeff McD

"I visited Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo recently. The place is clean and well-organized, and there’s a good variety of animals to see. Some enclosures are more spacious than others, but overall the animals seemed well taken care of. It’s a nice spot for families or a quiet afternoon walk. Not too big, so you can see everything in a couple of hours. Worth a visit if you’re nearby, but don’t expect anything too extraordinary."

Mohammed Y (‫بو جاسم‬‎)

"I visited Maruyama Zoo (円山動物園) in Sapporo during the winter, when everything was covered in white snow. The scenery was beautiful and felt like stepping into another world.

Despite the cold weather, all the animals looked healthy and well-cared for, which shows how dedicated the staff are. It was also my first time ever seeing a polar bear, seal, and penguin in real life — such an amazing and memorable experience!

My visit was truly enjoyable and left a strong impression on me. I hope to return again someday, perhaps in the summer or autumn, to see the zoo in a different season.

Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in Sapporo!"

Phan Hanh

What People Like

Spacious animal enclosures
Affordable admission fees
Engaging penguin parade

What People Dislike

Some empty stalls
Occasional animal absence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maruyama Zoo is easily accessible via public transport. Take the Tozai Line from Odori Station to Maruyama Koen Station, which is a short walk to the zoo. Instagram

No, Maruyama Zoo is conveniently located within Sapporo city. It's a short subway ride from Odori Station, making it a great option for a half-day trip. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at Maruyama Zoo, though it can fill up during peak times. TikTok

Many visitors find Maruyama Zoo a worthwhile alternative to the further Asahiyama Zoo, especially if you want to see penguins without a long journey. Reddit

During winter, the subway is the most reliable way to reach Maruyama Zoo, as roads can be icy. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission for adults is 800 yen. High school students (16-18) pay 400 yen, and middle school students and younger children (under 15) get in for free. Student ID may be required. Instagram

Children under 15 years old receive free admission, making it a very budget-friendly option for families. Instagram

The zoo is generally open from 9:30 AM. Closing times vary by season: 4:30 PM from March to October and 4:00 PM from November to February. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Instagram

Currently, tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any updates on online ticketing options. Instagram

Crowds can vary. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekends or holidays. The penguin parade can draw significant crowds. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Maruyama Zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including polar bears, orangutans, elephants, red pandas, and various Hokkaido native species. Instagram

Absolutely! The penguin parade is a unique and charming experience, especially popular during winter months. TikTok

Many enclosures are quite spacious, offering both indoor and outdoor areas for animals to roam, contributing to their well-being. Reddit

Yes, Maruyama Zoo is very family-friendly with free admission for kids under 15, play areas, and a children's zoo. Instagram

The zoo offers several eateries, play areas, and a children's zoo. Restrooms and other amenities are also available throughout the grounds. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Maruyama Zoo has a restaurant on-site where you can purchase food and drinks. Instagram

The zoo restaurant offers a selection of meals and snacks. Reviews suggest it's 'not bad' and a convenient option. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permissible in many Japanese parks and zoos, but check for any specific regulations. TikTok

Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to inquire at the restaurant upon arrival or consider bringing your own food if you have strict dietary needs. TikTok

The area around Maruyama Zoo, particularly Urasando, has many cafes and restaurants to explore if you wish to dine outside the zoo. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The penguin parade offers dynamic photo opportunities. The spacious enclosures, especially for polar bears and red pandas, also provide great shots. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of signage regarding flash photography or specific animal viewing areas. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for animal photography. Late afternoon can also offer softer lighting, but check closing times. TikTok

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around zoos and public parks to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. TikTok

Visitors often share photos of the penguins, polar bears, red pandas, and the snowy winter landscapes. TikTokReddit

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