Maruyama Park in the Morning

The morning air was exceptionally crisp. The sensation of cold fingertips and a clear mind. The moment I stepped out of the accommodation, the scent in the air was different. The smell of wet leaves, earth, and a faint aroma of coffee wafting from afar. When I arrived at Maruyama Park, there weren’t many people yet. Just a few locals walking their dogs and one or two quietly jogging. The ground was layered with fallen leaves, and every step I took broke the silence with a soft crunch. As I walked a bit further, sunlight began to filter through the trees. The golden rays touching the fallen leaves created a picturesque scene. Simply walking felt like it was organizing my thoughts. It felt less like a tourist spot and more like a neighborhood trail imbued with life. I sat on a bench for a moment to catch my breath and took a sip of a hot drink. The warm steam brushed against my face, and amidst it, I could hear the chirping of birds. It was an ordinary moment, yet it felt like something I’d remember for a long time. On my way back, I found myself heading toward the shrine near the park entrance. The torii gate framed by trees and the early morning sunlight created a strangely harmonious view. Early morning in Sapporo was serene and steadfast.