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Zoo · Hokkaido

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Sapporo / MaruyamaMostly outdoors
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Overview

Overview

Opened in 1951, this is Hokkaido's oldest zoo and is run by the City of Sapporo. Set next to Maruyama Park, its grounds cover about 22 hectares and are home to around 140 species of animals.

Address
3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Closed
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (1st and 4th Wednesday in August; if a public holiday, closed the following day). In April and November, closed Monday–Friday of the week containing the 2nd Wednesday (Nov 9–13 in 2026). Closed Dec 29–31. Open as usual on Jan 1.
Official website
https://www.city.sapporo.jp/zoo/
Official website (English) ↗
Highlights

Highlights

The Polar Bear House is a favorite for its underwater tunnel, where polar bears and seals appear to swim together. The Asian elephant house has Japan's first indoor elephant pool, so you can watch the elephants swim through the glass. Cold-loving animals such as snow leopards and red pandas become more active in winter.

Hours

Opening hours

Summer season (Mar 1–Oct 31)9:30–16:30

Last entry and ticket sales until 16:00

Winter season (Nov 1–end of Feb)9:30–16:00

Last entry and ticket sales until 15:30

Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.

Tickets

Prices & tickets

Adult¥800
High school student¥400

Student ID required

Junior high school age and underFree
Group (30+)¥720

Per person

Annual pass (high school age and up)¥2,000

Valid for 1 year from date of purchase

Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.

🎫 How to buy tickets
  • →No reservation or date selection needed. Buy tickets on the day at the Main Gate or West Gate ticket windows
  • →Ticket windows accept cash only. To pay by card or e-money, use the e-ticket (sold on KKday from Mar 2, 2026)
  • →E-tickets cover only adult and high school admission, group tickets, and annual passes. Visitors eligible for discounts or exemptions must buy at the window
  • →Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing (16:00 in summer, 15:30 in winter)
  • →Free for junior high school age and under. High school students must show a student ID
Tickets & tours for this attractionPR
Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Don't miss the underwater tunnel at the Polar Bear House and the indoor pool at the Elephant House. Both are viewed indoors, so you can enjoy them in any weather
  • ✓Closures fall mainly on Wednesdays (2nd and 4th Wednesday; 1st and 4th in August). Check ahead if your itinerary includes a Wednesday
  • ✓About 5 minutes by bus from Maruyama-Koen subway station. There are buses to the West Gate (Maru 15, Maru 16) and to the Main Gate (Kuramaru-go)
  • ✓Crows may go after food if you eat outdoors, so use the indoor rest areas when possible
  • ✓Paths are cleared of snow in winter but can be slippery. Don't throw snow at the animals or climb the snow piles
Access

Getting there

Nearest station
  • Maruyama-Koen Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line)About 15 min walkAbout 5 min by JR Bus from Bay 4 at the Maruyama Bus Terminal, directly connected to the station
From major stations & airports
  • Maruyama-Koen Station (Maruyama Bus Terminal, Bay 4): JR Bus Zoo Line [Maru 15] or [Maru 16] to "Maruyama Dobutsuen Nishimon" (West Gate), or the [Kuramaru-go] to "Maruyama Dobutsuen Seimon" (Main Gate); the zoo is right by the stop (About 5 min)
IC cards
The Sapporo Municipal Subway accepts SAPICA as well as nationally interoperable transit IC cards such as Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA.
Getting back
  • Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. In winter the zoo closes at 16:00, so plan your evening accordingly
  • Parking lots get crowded during Golden Week and events, so public transportation is recommended
  • Maruyama-Koen Station is about a 15-minute walk away. You can also skip the bus and walk through Maruyama Park
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best time to go

Busy
Golden Week and during events (parking lots get crowded)
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Spring

Summer hours (closing at 16:30) start in March. In April, the zoo is closed on the weekdays of the week containing the 2nd Wednesday.

Summer

You can take a break in air-conditioned indoor facilities such as the Zoo Center, Animal Science Museum, and Polar Bear House.

Autumn

Closes at 16:30 through October. In November, the zoo is closed on the weekdays of the week containing the 2nd Wednesday.

Winter

Closes at 16:00 from November. Cold-loving animals such as polar bears, snow leopards, and red pandas become more active, and you can see the white winter coats of Hokkaido hares.

☂ Rainy days
Paths between exhibits are outdoors, but many facilities can be viewed indoors, including the Polar Bear House, Elephant House, Tropical Rainforest House, Reptile & Amphibian House, and Tropical Bird House, so you can get around while staying out of the rain.
Heat
The Zoo Center, Animal Science Museum, Arctic Animal House, Polar Bear House, and Giraffe House are air-conditioned. Take frequent breaks indoors.
Cold
Indoor exhibits let you see many animals even in winter. Paths are cleared of snow but can be slippery. Rest areas are on the 2nd floor of the Giraffe House, the 2nd floor of the Ezo Deer & Wolf House, and at the Observation Rest House.
What to wear & bring
Wear comfortable shoes for the slopes and paths. In winter, a hat, gloves, and non-slip winter boots are a must.
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & what you can bring

  • !Flash photography and AF assist lights are strictly prohibited. Live-streaming video from inside the zoo is not allowed
  • !No pets (assistance dogs allowed with prior consultation). Feeding the animals, including giving them plants from the grounds, is prohibited
  • !Bug cages, balloons, balls, kick scooters, roller skates, bicycles, tents, and similar items may not be brought in. Please refrain from entering in animal-themed outfits or costumes
  • !The entire zoo is non-smoking
Facilities

Facilities & services

Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers at the Main Gate and West Gate (¥200–¥400 depending on size)
Payment
Ticket windows accept cash only (e-tickets can be paid by credit card or e-money). Shops in the zoo accept credit cards, PayPay, e-money, and more (some shops also accept Alipay)
Strollers & wheelchairs
Strollers (for ages 2 and under) rented at the Main Gate and West Gate for ¥250 each. Winter strollers (for ages 3 to preschool) also available. Wheelchairs loaned free of charge (suspended in winter)
Accessibility
Nursing rooms and multipurpose restrooms available. Wheelchairs loaned free at the Main Gate and West Gate (suspended in winter)
Language support
Official English web page and English zoo map (PDF) available
Food

Food

Must-try
The signature fried bread (age-pan) at the Official Station (near the West Gate)
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Sapporo Maruyama ZooPR

PRSee more places to stay near Sapporo Maruyama Zoo on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Sapporo

February

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually early February (about one week)

2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days

May

Sapporo Lilac Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually mid- to late May (about 10 days at the Odori Site, and 2 days on the final weekend at the Kawashimo Site)

June

YOSAKOI Soran Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually Wednesday to Sunday (5 days) in early to mid-June

2027 (36th): Jun 9 (Wed) – Jun 13 (Sun), 5 days

July–August

Sapporo Summer Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late July to mid-August (the beer gardens run for about 4 weeks; Hokkai Bon Odori is held during Obon, and the Susukino Festival for 3 days in early August)

September–October

Sapporo Autumn Fest

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually early to late September, or into early October (about 3 weeks)

2026: Sep 11 – Oct 3 (currently underway)

November–March

Sapporo White Illumination

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late November to mid-March of the following year (the Odori Site runs from late November to December 25)

2026: Opens Nov 20 (Odori Site until Dec 25; Ekimae-dori Site until Feb 11, 2027; Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza, and Sapporo Station South Exit until Mar 14, 2027)

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Hokkaido

Zoo

Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Run by the City of Asahikawa, this zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which let animals show off their natural movements and abilities. It opens in separate summer and winter seasons, with closure periods in spring and autumn.

Aquarium

AOAO SAPPORO

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Tanukikoji

An urban aquarium on the 4th to 6th floors of moyuk SAPPORO, a shopping complex facing the Tanukikoji shopping arcade. Built around the concept "The Wonder of Life: Seeing the Unseen," it serves as a gateway to nature in the middle of the city and stays open until 22:00.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Aquarium

Otaru Aquarium

Hokkaido ・ Otaru / Shukutsu

Located on the coast at Shukutsu in Otaru, this aquarium consists of an indoor main building and the outdoor "Marine Mammal Park," built by partitioning off part of the Sea of Japan. It operates with different dates and hours in winter, and closes from late November to early December and from late February to mid-March.

Zoo

Obihiro Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Obihiro & Tokachi

A city-run zoo inside Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro. In addition to its summer season from spring to autumn, it opens on weekends and holidays from December to February for the winter season. Admission is free for junior high school age and under, and with its play area it's a family-friendly zoo.

Zoo

Kushiro Zoological Park

Hokkaido ・ Kushiro & Akan

A city-run zoo about 11 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport. It's open year-round, so you can watch the animals in the snow in winter too. Admission is free for junior high school age and under.

Experience

Shiroi Koibito Park

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

A confectionery theme park attached to the factory of Ishiya, the maker of Shiroi Koibito, a classic Hokkaido souvenir. It offers production line tours, sweets-making experiences, cafés, and shops, and the shops and rose garden can be used without an admission ticket. It's about a 5-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai subway line, making it easy to reach from central Sapporo.

Experience

HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE

Hokkaido ・ Kitahiroshima

A ballpark centered on ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, open 365 days a year. On non-game days, you can enter the stadium's outfield area for free and enjoy stadium tours, hot springs, kids' facilities, and restaurants. It's about 17 minutes from Sapporo Station to Kitahiroshima Station on the JR Rapid Airport, then about 5 minutes by shuttle bus from the station.

Aquarium

Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

A marine park centered on a castle-shaped aquarium, a 5-minute walk from JR Noboribetsu Station. It exhibits about 20,000 creatures of some 400 species, making it one of the largest in Hokkaido. It's easy to stop by from Noboribetsu Onsen or New Chitose Airport.

Zoo

Noboribetsu BearPark

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

A zoo of Ezo brown bears on a mountaintop 550 m above sea level, about 7 minutes by ropeway from the center of Noboribetsu Onsen. More than 70 brown bears live here, and the round-trip ropeway fare is included in admission. The park also has a Brown Bear Museum and facilities introducing Ainu culture.

See all attractions →

Hours, prices and access are based on official and other primary sources. They may change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-01

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