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Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

sapporo maruyama zoo

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo stands as a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts and curious wanderers alike. This immersive zoological wonderland is more than just a collection of enclosures; it’s a living testament to Japan’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare. As you meander through the lush pathways of Maruyama Zoo, the symphony of animal sounds and the rustling of leaves create a harmonious atmosphere, transporting you to diverse habitats from around the globe. From the majestic polar bears to the playful red pandas, every resident of Maruyama Zoo contributes to a tapestry of biodiversity, making it a compelling destination for those yearning to connect with the natural world. Join me on an exploration of this remarkable sanctuary, where education, conservation, and the sheer joy of encountering fascinating creatures seamlessly blend into an unforgettable experience. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!

  • Visit Date: 2023, June 11th
  • Entrance Fee: 800 (adult); 400 (high school); detail
  • Address: 3番地1 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959
  • Access: Maruyama Koen Station (Namboku Line)

Maruyama Zoo: Experience

Maruyama Zoo area is a huge area containing various different animals, not only animals that can only be discovered in Japan, but also from all over the world! Animals exhibit are separated mostly based on their habitat and types. Primates (chimps, baboons, orangutans, gorillas and etc) exhibit located close to each other. There were also wolves and hyenas exhibit located inside the zoo!

sapporo maruyama zoo
Baboon in primate exhibit
Chimps have their own names!
Wolf exhibit

If you want to see bears, you can check out the bear exhibits. Brown and Polar bears are located separately. You can watch Polar Bears swimming around inside an aquarium! You can also check a giant bird cages, in which the temperature is maintained to mimic tropical habitat of the birds!

Brown Bears exhibit
Up close and personal with Polar Bear
Peacock (birds exhibit)

You can also check the reptilian/ amphibian exhibits, in which you can watch different types of reptilian/ amphibians, ranging from giant tortoise, poisonous frogs, and even crocodiles! There are many shops inside the zoo, ranging from merchandise shop as well as restaurants you can dine in (a bit expensive inside so it is better to bring your own foods). It took me around 3 hours to fully explore the zoo, and this spot is one of recommended spot to visit in Sapporo, Hokkaido! Of course the photos shown in this blog does not represent all the animals inside the zoo! You should explore the zoo yourself!

sapporo maruyama zoo reptilian
monitor lizard in reptilian exhibit
Tortoise in reptilian exhibit
Bonus photo from elephant exhibit

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!

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Shiroi Koibito Park

shiroi koibito park

Shiroi Koibito Park

Nestled in the enchanting city of Sapporo, Japan, Shiroi Koibito Park beckons travelers into a whimsical world where confectionery craftsmanship and cultural charm converge. This delightful destination is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat for those seeking a unique blend of artistry and sweetness. As you step into the park, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked white chocolate cookies wafts through the air, setting the stage for an immersive experience that combines the rich history of Hokkaido’s famous white chocolate treats with the magic of a meticulously designed theme park. Join me on a journey through the delectable landscapes of the Park, where every corner unfolds a sweet story waiting to be savored. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!

  • Visit Date: 2022, December 30th
  • Entrance Fee: FREE
  • Address: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052
  • Access: Miyanosawa Station (Tozai Line)

Shiroi Koibito Park: Experience

Outside the Park

To be honest, Shiroi Koibito Park is smaller than I thought. but still, is not size that matters, but the inside! When you get inside the gate, you will be welcomed with beautiful European-style building and parks. You can take pictures outside the park for your SNS, since there are many great photoshoot spots outside!

shiroi koibito park outside
shiroi koibito park outside
Shiroi Koibito Park Landscape
Yes, this bus is only decoration

Inside the Park

After strolling and taking enough pictures outside the park, you can enter one of the free area building (there was a paid-tour area in which you can watch the process of making chocolate!). Inside the free area building, there were various stores selling the famous Shiroi Koibito Chocolate cookies. I tried some of their white chocolate cookies, and yes, it worths every penny!

Gate outside the free area building
shiroi koibito park inside
shiroi koibito park inside
Shop like a royalty here!

Shopping Area

The free area building is also connected to the paid-tour area. There are many shops inside the free-area building, ranging from cookies shop as well as restaurants you can dine in! You can explore the whole park area within 1 – 2 hours, and this spot is one of recommended spot to visit in Sapporo, Hokkaido!

Stairs leading to the 2nd floor
Don’t forget to take pics!
Can you find this spot inside?

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!

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Sapporo Snow Festival 2023

sapporo snow festival

Sapporo Snow Festival 2023

It has been almost three years since the last Sapporo Snow Festival was held in 2020. There was no Snow Festival held the past three years due to covid-19 pandemic. Finally I got to visit the first Snow Festival after covid-19 pandemic! It was packed with people, as many as before the covid pandemic! If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!

  • Date: 2023, February 4th ~ February 11th
  • Entrance Fee: FREE
  • Address: 2 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
  • Access: Nishi 11-chome Station 

Sapporo Snow Festival: Experience

10 chome – 7 chome

This festival is held outdoor, so make sure you wear enough clothes to keep yourself warm in a freezing weather! From 10 chome to 7 chome, there are a few roofed heated rest area in which you can take a break from the freezing weather!  There are a fixed path in which you need to follow; so please do not walk against the designated walking path! If you like Hatsune Miku, make sure to check some of the small merchandise shops along the path!

sapporo snow festival  10 chome
sapporo snow festival
Spy Family snow sculpture
Hatsune Miku Merchandise Shop

6 chome: JSDF

In this section you can enjoy some light projection show. The light simulation show is held twice every 10-minutes, make sure you line up to get a nice view on the show! Houhei Palace in the pictures below are built by Japanese Self-Defence Force (JSDF) themselves! There is also rest area belonged to JSDF in which you can keep yourself warm and watch video on how they built this amazing sculpture!

sapporo snow festival 6 chome
sapporo snow festival
First aid station
Inside rest area

5 chome: Horse Race

If you like horse racing, make sure to also watch light projection show on horse-racing sculpture built by Japan Racing Association (JRA). The light projection show is also held twice every 10-minutes!

Horse Race sculpture
Light up begins!
More holographic projection

4 chome: Dinosaurs!

If you like dinosaurs, make sure to see another giant dinosaur sculpture in this section. Also, if you are Hokkaido University Student, make sure to also check Hokkaido University shop/rest area!

sapporo snow festival dinosaur
sapporo snow festival dinosaur
Someone played piano inside!
Hokkaido University Stand

3 chome – 1 chome: Sapporo TV Tower!

This area is close to Sapporo TV Tower area, and if you are lucky, you can try curling and ice-skating around this area!

sapporo snow festival tv tower
How did they make this?
If you like, thumbs up please!
Looks nice!

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido!