I have a potted Japanese Maple within a large patio planter. It must be moved to the yard and sunk to ground level every year due to the freeze/thaw effect of the larger patio planter. Would it survive indoors over winter or must it go through the outdoor 'hibernation' large canadian maples go through.

From what I understand, it should go through a winter hibernation. The deep freeze that we get up here is a bit much for it though.

I leave mine in the ground, and just make sure its well mulched cover.

I've read that some people who have them in pot just put them in the garage where its ample cold, and leave it there till early spring. Make sure not to have rodents in the house, they may chew on the bark.

That is correct. A japanese maple does need a dormancy period. Usually a few months just around the freezing point.