Audio Guide of Maruyama Zoo

Maruyama Park is open 24 hours a day, while the zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (November-March) and until 5:00 p.m. (April-October), closing on Mondays and from December 29 to January 3. To get there, take the Namboku subway line to Maruyama Koen Station (Exit 2), then walk 10 minutes. More details: Official zoo website.

The park is free, but the zoo charges admission: adults 600 yen, high school students 400 yen, children (ages 7-15) 200 yen, and younger children enter free. Local seniors (65+) are admitted free with ID. Tickets are purchased at the ticket office.

You need at least 2 hours to see the entire zoo, plus 1 additional hour if you explore the park, especially the cherry blossom area and the shrine. In total, allow about 3 to 4 hours to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.

The park (1886) is the oldest in Sapporo and is home to Hokkaido Shrine. The zoo (1951) is notable for its conservation of local species such as the Hokkaido brown bear and the Japanese badger, and it is a reference point for studies of northern wildlife.

April to May during hanami, the cherry blossom season, when the park fills with cherry trees in bloom. July to August is also great for nighttime activities at the zoo. Avoid Mondays, when the zoo is closed, and rainy weekends.

Yes, both areas have paved paths and ramps. The zoo lends wheelchairs free of charge, subject to availability; reservations can be made on its website. Please note that some areas have moderate slopes.

Within 15 minutes: Hokkaido Shrine, located within the park itself, and the Morikuni Art Museum. About 20 minutes away by bus: the Mount Moiwa Ropeway with panoramic views. Interactive map: Hokkaido Tourism.

1) Wear comfortable shoes (stone-paved paths) 2) Bring cash (some zoo machines do not accept cards) 3) In winter, use ice cleats 4) Do not feed the animals 5) Keep your food scraps secure: there are wild raccoons in the park.