Hill of the Buddha — Local services in Sapporo

The Hill of the Buddha is a truly breathtaking and contemplative site that should not be missed when visiting Sapporo. Designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the entire experience blends nature, spirituality, and architecture into a harmonious masterpiece.

As you approach the site, the first view is intentionally understated—a grassy hill with a circular path leading you inside. This design builds anticipation and creates a sense of reverence. Walking through the tunnel, the Buddha remains hidden until the very last moment. Then, as you step into the grand open rotunda, you are greeted by the serene and towering 13.5-meter-tall stone Buddha, encircled by a sea of lavender in the summer months. The contrast between the raw concrete architecture and the soft natural surroundings is stunning.

Tadao Ando’s signature minimalist design perfectly enhances the spiritual ambiance. The play of light and shadow inside the space evokes a deep sense of calm and introspection. Even though many visitors come to take photos, there is a shared atmosphere of quiet respect throughout the area.

I was also impressed by how the site integrates with its natural setting. In different seasons, the mood of the Hill of the Buddha changes dramatically—lush and fragrant in summer, serene and snow-covered in winter—offering a reason to visit again.

Practical tips: There is a small entrance fee (well worth it), and I recommend taking your time here. The surrounding Makomanai Takino Cemetery is also beautifully designed and worth exploring.

Overall, this is one of the most inspiring and beautifully designed spiritual sites I have visited in Japan. Whether you are a fan of architecture, nature, or Buddhist art, the Hill of the Buddha offers a memorable and...

This was pretty cool to see…

EXPERIENCE: The Hill of The Buddha is part of the Makomanai Takino cemetery in southern Sapporo. Tacky replicas of Moai statues line the front drive with their very own Stonehenge to boot in the distance. You can see the tip top of Buddha’s head sticking out of a lavender-landscaped hill. I had no idea what to expect. Do we walk up the hill and look down? That’s the point of its design, which is to draw you in.

You’re greeted by two water basins which are meant for handwashing prior to entering the shrine. No instructions are posted, but utilize the ladles, watch each hand and don’t backwash into the basin.

You’ll come upon a water garden reflecting pool which is the prelude to the Buddha shrine. Here is where you’ll make entry payment on a kiosk of 300 Yen p/p (honor system). There is also an incense pot where you can purchase & burn the sticks.

Walking around the pool brings you past the gift shop/cafe & restrooms, with the shrine thereafter.

Enter the tunnel and you’ve finally arrived. A 44-foot tall Buddha statue is encompassed by an open-top dome. There are shade-covered chairs to sit and pray/reflect. You can also walk around the entire statue which features several alcoves of smaller Buddha statues and shrines where people left offerings of flowers, mochi and water.

OVERALL: A great alternative to a mundane museum and...

If you’re passing by and want to have a stop here it might be ok but if you want to come here intentionally I think it doesn’t worth a visit. The parking fee charges 500JPY while there’re the area with free parking. 300 JPY to see the big buddha you need to pay to get a kinen stamp the lavender is still not bloom it is in the same area with the cemetery, from my opinion it is quite weird to have it as a tourist attraction. in the area of the big buddha and the garden, there’re Korean cameraman, photographer and their team doing their own photography and filming. They prohibited other visitors entering the area to pray worship to the buddha as they are filming someone. It should be the area where all visitors can enter and visit. This is very bad and unorganized. No staffs informed us about this or prevent them from using the area and space. So it is like paying a fee entering the gate but cant get close to the statue or to the area I can pray worship. I think if this is a proper filming that asked for a consent, the area should be close for them or we should be informed about this. Or if they are filming without any consent, the owner of the property or someone responsible for this should informed them that they shouldn’t interrupt or make it inconvenient to...