Maruyama

Maruyama is a Japanese proper noun that can refer to a toponym or a surname. The toponym is usually written with kanji such as 丸山, meaning “round mountain,” or 円山, meaning “circle mountain,” though other spellings and readings exist. The name describes geographical features that resemble a rounded hill, and many places in Japan bear the name.

As a place name, Maruyama appears in numerous locations across the country, including districts, neighborhoods, hills, and parks. The best-known examples are in Kyoto, where Maruyama Park sits at the base of Mount Higashiyama and is famous for cherry blossoms. The park is near Yasaka Shrine and the historic Gion district. There is also a Maruyama Shrine in Kyoto, a Shinto shrine located close to the park and part of the historic Higashiyama area.

As a surname, Maruyama is common in Japan. It is borne by many people across various fields, including academics, sports, and the arts. The surname is most often written 丸山 or 円山, though other kanji combinations exist.

In addition to Kyoto, other towns, wards, and geographic features across Japan carry the name Maruyama, reflecting the descriptive origin of the term. The name also appears in the Japanese diaspora, where it is carried by individuals and families abroad.

See also: disambiguation pages for Maruyama,丸山 or円山.