The Backpack Adventures

Maruyama Zoo ( 札幌市円山動物園 ) is located at Miyagaoka 3-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture and is one of the largest zoos not only in the prefecture but also in  Japan . Maruyama Zoo Maruyama Zoo details ( Winter ) Maruyama Zoo opened in 1951. Initially, the place was chosen by the city to be the venue to hold the "traveling zoo" of Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. It was such a hit that the local government of Sapporo City decided to open a zoo for itself. Hence, the birth of Maruyama Zoo.  Maruyama Zoo - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture Welcome to Maruyama Zoo Maruyama Zoo map and ticket At present, Maruyama Zoo covers an area of about 22.5 hectares. It is home to 180+ different species and 900+ different types of animals that are housed in different areas of the zoo. Maruyama Zoo map These areas are: Polar Exhibit Tropical Bird House General Waterbird Exhibit Hippo and Lion House Kangaroo House Owl and Hawk Forest Birds of Prey Exhibit Kid's Zoo Monkey Hill Giraffe H

Hokkaido Shrine ( 北海道神宮 ) is not only the main shrine of Sapporo City but also one of the most important shrines in the whole of Hokkaido. It is located at 477 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan .    Hokkaido Shrine  ( 北海道神宮 ) Hokkaido Shrine details ( WINTER ) In 1869 during the Meiji Period, when Hokkaido was being integrated into Japan's territory, Emperor Meiji ordered a ceremony in Tokyo to enshrine three Shinto shrine deities (kami) for the Hokkaido reclamation (Kaitaku Sanjin). These deities were Okuninushi , Okunitama , and Sukunahikona . They were known as the pioneering gods who are believed to guide and uplift the spirits of pioneers. These deities were later on moved to Sapporo City.  Hokkaido Shrine - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture A temporary shrine was constructed to house the three deities in 1870. In just a year, the construction present shrine was completed. It was then named Sapporo Shrine .  In 1964, the soul of Emperor Meiji was

The Otaru Music Box Museum ( 小樽オルゴール堂 本館 ) , located at 4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture, is the main building of seven similar music box establishments in the city. It is also the biggest and most well-known of the seven. Otaru Music Box Museum Otaru Music Box Museum details ( WINTER ) Locally referred to as the Otaru Orgel Doh , the Otaru Music Box Museum is the largest music box museum in Japan . It houses more or less 25,000 different music boxes. Otaru Music Box Museum - Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture Otaru Music Box Museum facade and its famed steam clock Otaru Music Box Museum at night Aside from being a museum, the whole ground floor is actually a store that sells a plethora of music boxes. These come in different sizes, colors, designs, and even sounds. You can actually buy luxurious music boxes with jaw-dropping price tags or purchase an affordable customizable music box as a souvenir.  Learn more about the former Kyosei Co. Ltd. Otaru Orgel What I like