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. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway