Maruyama Park

With its virgin forest, which has been designated a special natural treasure,
Maruyama Park is one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Sapporo.

Sapporo citizens come to Maruyama Park to relax. The park is particularly popular in May for cherry blossom viewing and June for the Hokkaido Shrine Festival. Originally created as a part of the Hokkaido Development Commission’s layout plan and testing ground for trees during the Meiji Period, it was developed into a park starting at the end of the Meiji Period. Its expansive grounds include the Maruyama Wild Forest, a designated natural treasure, as well as numerous sports facilities such as a public field, baseball stadium, and baseball diamond. Adjacent to Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo, the park plays a central role in Sapporo’s recreational and athletic culture. Its past as a testing ground for trees is apparent in cedar forests and large katsura trees. Many squirrels, wild birds, and plants can also be seen in the park.