Top Cultural and Family Attractions in Sapporo: Visit Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo

Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo: Tradition and Wildlife in the Heart of Sapporo

Hokkaido is a special place where beautiful nature and abundant tourist attractions intersect.

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Maruyama Zoo are especially popular places to visit in Sapporo.

From the historical background to the interaction with animals to the bustling Sapporo Station area, we will dig deep into the charm of this place that speaks to visitors and weaves a story that will resonate with the hearts of the Japanese people.

Understanding the History and Significance of Hokkaido Jingu

Hokkaido Jingu is an important place that symbolizes the history of Hokkaido’s development and is familiar to many people.

It dates back to 1896, when Emperor Meiji ordered that the three pioneer deities of Hokkaido be enshrined as a spiritual center for the pioneers of the region.

These deities, also known as the pioneer fathers, are enshrined to honor the great men and women who contributed to the development of Hokkaido through hardship and suffering.

The Emperor Meiji himself is also enshrined as a deity, and the shrine grounds, with their sacred air, are known as a place to purify and refresh the mind.

The pioneering history behind this shrine and the efforts and thoughts of the people associated with it offer many suggestions for those of us living in the modern age.

As a specific example, the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine holds an annual festival in June, which is known to local residents as the Sapporo Festival.

In addition to the sacred rituals, traditional dances and various stalls decorate the shrine grounds during this festival.

Popular not only with citizens but also with tourists, it is a rare opportunity to directly experience Hokkaido’s culture and customs.

In addition, during the Hatsumode season, the shrine is crowded with many people, and the scenery of celebrating the New Year with family and friends is truly unique to Japan.

In this way, Hokkaido Jingu plays a very important role not only in its historical background but also in the culture rooted in the land and its people.

When you visit, please think about the history of the shrine and worship there quietly, so that you can feel its charm even more.

The Attraction of Maruyama Zoo and its Unique Animals

Maruyama Zoo is located adjacent to the Hokkaido Shrine and has been loved by Sapporo citizens.

This zoo keeps about 200 different kinds of animals, surprising visitors with its diversity.

In particular, animals unique to Hokkaido, such as the Ezo brown bear and Ezo sika deer, can be observed in close proximity to their habitat and enjoyed in their natural state.

Encounters with these animals will impress even small children and help them develop an interest in nature and animals.

One of the attractions of Maruyama Zoo is its park environment.

Surrounded by vast greenery, the park has a relaxing atmosphere as if you were in nature.

With playground equipment for children to enjoy and educational programs to learn about animals, the zoo offers an experience that goes beyond just looking at the animals.

Actually seeing the animals up close and deepening one’s understanding and interest in living things is very meaningful from an educational perspective.

In addition, Maruyama Zoo holds various events throughout the year.

For example, in summer, the zoo holds an event called Night Zoo, where visitors can visit the zoo at night, when it usually closes in the evening.

Because visitors can observe animal behavior that can only be seen in the evening and at night, it is possible to enjoy a fresh experience that is different from the usual.

In this way, the Maruyama Zoo, along with its unique animals, strongly appeals to people through its symbiosis with nature and education.

When you visit, please enjoy the warm atmosphere of the entire zoo while interacting with the animals.

Bustling and convenient Sapporo Station area

The area around Sapporo Station, located in the center of Sapporo, is crowded with many people as a center for sightseeing and shopping.

There are many buildings here, in which various souvenir stores, fashion stores and restaurants are gathered.

This makes it a great shopping and dining spot for tourists.

Sapporo Station also serves as a transportation hub in Hokkaido, with a concentration of JR and subway lines providing very convenient access to various locations.

In this regard, Sapporo Station offers an ideal location for business visitors as well as tourists.

In addition, there are many bus depots around Sapporo Station, making it easy to travel to other major cities in Hokkaido.

There are also many barber and beauty salons and esthetic salons, making it the perfect place to take a break during a shopping tour.

Since local gourmet foods from Obihiro to Tokachi can be easily enjoyed, it is possible to taste the culture of all of Hokkaido at once.

As for places of interest near Sapporo Station, you can also enjoy visiting historical spots such as the Sapporo Railway Station Memorial Hall and the former Hokkaido Government Office.

The red brick building of the former Hokkaido Government Office is particularly popular for its beautiful architecture and is a popular photo spot during sightseeing.

As you can see, the area around Sapporo Station is a bustling and convenient area that offers a wide variety of things to do.

When you visit, you can enjoy not only shopping and dining but also a historical tour.

Recommended routes for sightseeing in Sapporo

There are many sightseeing spots in Sapporo, and we recommend the following routes to visit them efficiently.

First, Sapporo Station is the starting point, and access to Hokkaido Jingu Shrine is a very convenient 15-minute drive.

You can also park near Sapporo Station and rent a bicycle from there.

A visit to the Hokkaido Shrine is more memorable when you know its historical value.

After the shrine, a visit to the Maruyama Zoo, which is right next door, is a great way to enjoy nature and the animals.

Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo and enjoy the luxury of interacting with Hokkaido’s nature.

Afterwards, come back to the bustling streets around Sapporo Station to enjoy shopping and dining.

Tasting Hokkaido’s gourmet delicacies, especially Sapporo mille crepes and Jingisukan, is the perfect way to end your sightseeing.

Through these routes, you can enjoy history, nature, and food and the diverse attractions of Sapporo all at once.

Try this route, which allows you to take home many experiences in a limited time.

How to enjoy the area around Hokkaido Shrine recommended by locals

There are various ways to enjoy the area around Hokkaido Shrine, a favorite spot not only among tourists but also locals.

Visiting the shrine early in the morning and worshipping with reverence is a precious time to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Paying a visit to the shrine, especially while strolling in the fresh morning air, is a great way to start the day with a renewed spirit.

The rich natural environment around the shrine is also ideal for running and jogging.

Refresh your body and mind with moderate exercise and a refreshing breeze through the trees.

Local residents love the beautiful greenery around the main shrine and often enjoy picnics under it.

In addition, local cafes and teahouses are scattered around the area, making it a great place to stop by and relax after your visit.

Many of the restaurants are filled with delicacies to be savored on the way home from the shrine, such as matcha green tea and dishes using Hokkaido’s specialty vegetables, allowing you to enjoy foods unique to Hokkaido.

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy the area around Hokkaido Shrine, and each one brings new discoveries every time you visit.

Let’s enjoy this area, loved by tourists and locals alike, from many different perspectives.

An Attractive Plan for Sapporo Sightseeing

It is very important to make your own plan for Sapporo sightseeing.

A trip that makes use of history, culture and nature in particular will enrich your mind and make it memorable.

Experiencing sacred places and nature, such as the Hokkaido Shrine, will give you a new perspective that you may not have had on previous trips.

For example, by making a point of interacting with the locals during your trip and having experiences unique to the area, you will gain valuable experiences that you cannot have just by visiting tourist spots.

One of the best parts of traveling is also experiencing the charm of the land through its cuisine.

Enjoying local specialties and local cuisine is an experience that brings you into direct contact with the local culture.

And detailed planning, such as the means of transportation and the order in which you visit during your trip, will also make your trip more fulfilling.

By taking advantage of ideas and advice on how to enjoy sightseeing efficiently, you can maximize your enjoyment of each and every spot.

For example, renting a bicycle from the aforementioned Sapporo Station is a great way to freely explore a diverse range of places.

This is a great way to visit many places while reducing travel time, and is a must for short trips.

Make your own travel plan and enjoy a mind-blowing tour of Sapporo.

New encounters and discoveries may make your trip more special and add new colors to your life.

The sightseeing spots introduced here, such as Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo, offer us much to learn and heal through nature, history, and contact with animals.

Every time we visit, we will discover something new, and our hearts will be enriched each time.

Plan your own Sapporo sightseeing tour and experience a heartwarming journey.