One of the biggest attractions of sightseeing in Sapporo is that you can enjoy nature at the same time as being in a major city.

Mount Moiwa is particularly popular for sightseeing. With the recent boom in outdoor activities and mountain climbing, it has become a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists to enjoy casual hiking.
However, due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded at times.

Since I've come all the way to Hokkaido, I want to avoid the crowds and relax in nature with someone I'm close to, or perhaps by myself...

For someone like you, I recommend "Mount Maruyama hiking."

Mount Maruyama as seen from Mount Moiwa (center of the photo)

<Table of Contents>
1. Where is Maruyama located?
2. Maruyama is a treasure trove of nature
3. Climb Mount Maruyama
4. Fun after descending the mountain!
5. Things to be aware of when climbing Mt. Maruyama
Summary

When you hear "Sapporo, Maruyama," I think most people will think of "Maruyama Zoo."
If you're familiar with Sapporo, you might also think of Maruyama Park, Maruyama Baseball Stadium, Maruyama Athletic Stadium, and Hokkaido Shrine, right?
These spots are all located in Maruyama.

If you're staying at a hotel in downtown Sapporo, you can get there in about 15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by subway.

Hokkaido Shrine, located near Maruyama, is now a popular tourist spot even among international visitors.

Maruyama is a mountain with an elevation of 225m located on the western side of Chuo Ward in Sapporo City.

The origin of the name is very simple: when pioneers in the Meiji era saw this mountain, it appeared round to them, and so they named it "Maruyama" (round mountain).

Then, during the urban development of Sapporo, a shrine was built in this area, and Maruyama came to be carefully protected as a "guardian forest."

Furthermore, during the Taisho era, it was designated a national natural monument as the "Maruyama Primeval Forest."

Thus, Maruyama is a precious spot where, despite being located in a major city, the natural environment that existed before development has been preserved.

For adults, it takes about an hour and a half to climb to the top of Mount Maruyama and then descend.
Although there are some steep inclines along the way, the hiking trail is well-maintained, so you can hike even in town sneakers.
As an aside, I once saw a woman hiking in high heels (she was probably a local).

The trailhead is very easy to find, with a large signpost.

An old temple stands at the entrance to the hiking trail.
And there is a signpost that says "88 Temples".

Actually, Maruyama has another side to it.
It's called "Maruyama Eighty-Eight Sacred Places."
The explanation is written inside the temple, so I will quote it here.

"In 1914 (Taisho 3), the Ueda brothers, Manpei and Zenshichi, who were instrumental in the development of Maruyama Village, opened the Maruyama mountain trail and appealed to believers from the Sapporo area who had migrated to Hokkaido from Shikoku to support the Kannon statues, resulting in the erection of 88 pairs of statues."

Along the path to the summit of Mount Maruyama, you'll find numerous stone Buddha statues, including these 88 Kannon statues.
The Maruyama mountain climbing course is also a mini-pilgrimage route.

While Maruyama served as a sacred grove for the pioneering government, it may also have been a spiritual haven for the settlers.

The hiking trail has a steep slope near the entrance, but after that, it's a relatively easy climb.
The course is rarely so crowded that there are long lines, so you can climb at your own pace.

As it is part of the Maruyama primeval forest, there are many large trees with a mystical presence scattered throughout the area.

If you're lucky, you might even spot an Ezo squirrel!

Along the way, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Sapporo through the trees. If the weather is good, you can even see the sea off Ishikari.

If you climb at a leisurely pace, it will only take about 30 to 40 minutes, and you'll reach the summit in no time.

Viewing Sapporo from the top of Maruyama Mountain

From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Sapporo.
Perhaps because of the low mountains, the townscape seems to loom close, creating a powerful and impressive view.

Since there aren't too many people around, you can relax and enjoy a healing time while feeling the refreshing breeze of Sapporo♪

One of the best things about hiking Mount Maruyama is that you can enjoy a coffee break or other activities after descending.
The Maruyama Park area, a popular spot among locals, boasts numerous popular cafes and restaurants, so why not stop by and check them out?
By the way, my personal recommendations are Miyakoshiya Coffee and Rokkatei, but there are many unique cafes out there, so please try exploring them!

Cafe time at Rokkatei

I've outlined the route to Mount Maruyama so far, but here are a few points to keep in mind.

There are no toilets on the hiking trail. Please use the restroom in the Maruyama Park area or elsewhere before you start hiking.

Even though it's a low mountain, it's still a mountain, so there's a possibility of encountering unexpected wild animals. (I've never heard of anyone seeing a bear, though...) It might be a good idea to bring something that makes noise, like a bell.

・Do not climb at night. With the current boom in night views, some people may be thinking, "I want to see the night view from Maruyama!" but we do not recommend it. It's best to climb during the daytime.

If you want to enjoy the night view, head to Mt. Moiwa.

Summary

That concludes our introduction to climbing Mount Maruyama.
Maruyama is a familiar mountain to the local residents, but at the same time, it is an area that offers a glimpse into the mystical aspects of nature.

Many people have been drawn to the mysterious charm of Maruyama and have ended up living there.
A healing spot and a power spot located within a city of one million people.

Be sure to try it when you visit Sapporo!

[Access information]
Address: Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
access:
Get off at Maruyama Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line, then a 5-minute walk.
Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the south exit of JR Sapporo Station (estimated cost: approximately 1500 yen).
(Reference URL)
http://www2.wagamachi-guide.com/sapporo_koen/apps/list.asp?mode=2&ID=1600007

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