KKday Launches Online Ticket Sales for Sapporo's Maruyama Zoo to Enhance Visitor Experience

KKday Launches Online Ticket Sales for Maruyama Zoo

KKday Japan, an operator of one of Asia’s largest optional tour reservation sites, is set to enhance the visitor experience at Sapporo's Maruyama Zoo by introducing an online ticketing system. From March 2, 2026, visitors will be able to purchase entrance tickets through the newly developed reservation management system called "rezio." This initiative aims to improve visitor convenience and alleviate the usual crowding during peak times such as Japan’s Golden Week.

Background of Maruyama Zoo

Established in 1951, Maruyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's oldest and most popular animal parks, featuring a variety of cold-weather animal exhibits, including polar bears. The zoo, located near the center of Sapporo, has long faced challenges, particularly during busy periods when long queues for ticket purchases built up right after opening. With the resurgence of foreign visitors, the demand for multilingual services and cashless payment options had also risen significantly.

To address these challenges, KKday's rezio system will enable the establishment of a dedicated website for web ticket sales, allowing visitors to bypass waiting in line. By presenting a pre-purchased QR code at the entrance gates, visitors can swiftly enter, making their experience more enjoyable. With support for 17 languages and a variety of payment methods, the system significantly improves the accommodation for international guests, facilitating the zoo's digital transformation.

Comments from Maruyama Zoo Representatives

A representative from Maruyama Zoo expressed excitement about the new online ticketing initiative in collaboration with KKday Japan, emphasizing that it will allow guests to spend more time enjoying animal encounters without the hassle of purchasing tickets on-site. The zoo boasts various attractions, including an expansive indoor elephant exhibit and a polar bear facility where visitors can observe these majestic animals through an underwater tunnel. The aim is to make the zoo's vibrant offerings accessible to more people, both local and international, through improved convenience and multilingual support.

Details of Web Ticket Sales

- Launch Date: March 2, 2026
- Purchase Locations:

1. Dedicated Maruyama Zoo web ticketing site (accessible through links from the zoo's official website)
2. Travel booking site KKday (link here)

- Available Ticket Types:

- General Admission
- High School Student Ticket (requires student ID)
- Group Tickets
- Annual Passes

Note: Reduced fee eligibility and free admission for middle school students and younger will still require traditional counter service.

- Payment Methods:

- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.)
- Electronic money
- QR code payments (PayPay, LINE Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.)

- Languages Supported: Japanese, English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and more (17 languages total).

Overview of Maruyama Zoo

Maruyama Zoo, located in Sapporo, is surrounded by nature, showcasing over 140 species of animals in a habitat-centric environment. The zoo emphasizes actions that represent the animals' natural behavior, making it a unique educational experience. Visitors can find more information at the Maruyama Zoo official site.

KKday’s Role in Modernizing Animal Parks

Many zoos across Japan are aiming to enhance efficiency at ticket counters and improve inbound tourism by implementing online booking and electronic ticketing systems. Rezio has already made its way into significant facilities such as Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido, contributing to the recovery and management of crowds during peak travel periods. The implementation at Maruyama Zoo is expected to further ease travel conditions for visitors in the region. Moreover, rezio simplifies the complexities of booking management and customer analysis, allowing for more efficient operations and robust marketing strategies.

More About Rezio

Rezio is a leading reservation management system tailored for tourism operators, designed to connect businesses with digital solutions. It manages online sales, inbound requests, and administrative tasks. In Japan, Rezio is utilized by over 1,000 venues and experiences, and it provides access to roughly 30,000 activities globally, ensuring seamless connectivity across the industry.

About KKday

KKday is an online reservation platform specializing in local experiences and ticket sales, offering over 350,000 unique activities in more than 550 cities across 92 countries. It aims to simplify travel planning for users while providing exceptional experiences. KKday operates in 17 languages, fostering accessibility and ease for international travelers. The company is committed to delivering high-quality experiences that make travel delightful.