[2024 Sapporo Attraction] Travel Guide for Hill of the Buddha (Updated Sep)

Must-Visit Spot in Hokkaido | The Giant Buddha Statue for Spiritual Retreat

Located in the Minami Ward of Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Makomanai Takino Cemetery is a must-visit spot. Among its highlights is the Hill of the Buddha, a giant Buddha statue that stands as one of its representative attractions. Completed in 2016 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the cemetery's opening, this statue was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, giving the entire scene a fresh and unique look. You will walk through a mysterious tunnel to enter this tranquil world, as if delving into the depths of your soul. At the end of the tunnel, a Buddha statue surrounded by a lotus pond appears before your eyes, with water features and plants inviting you to quietly reflect. What makes it even more special is that the Buddha's head emerges from an artificial hill covered with greenery, blending seamlessly with nature. Whether you visit in the blooming spring, the fiery autumn, or the snowy winter, you will experience different kinds of beauty here. The observation deck and rest area are perfect places to leisurely enjoy the surrounding scenery. The Buddha statue is conveniently located not far from Sapporo City. You can take the Namboku Subway Line from Sapporo Station to its terminal station, Makomanai Station, then transfer to the cemetery bus or the regular bus No. 108, which takes about 20 minutes. If you are interested in architectural design, Zen spaces, or Buddhist culture, this place will undoubtedly offer you a unique experience.

Lesser-known attractions in Hokkaido, Tadao Ando's mysterious Buddha head

I've been to Hokkaido three times in summer, autumn, and winter, and I feel the most boring place is Sapporo, until the last day of my trip, I went here. 👉🏻 Buddha Head (Buddha Head) ⭕ The Buddha statue is located in the Manai Falls Cemetery in the southern suburbs of Sapporo, designed and built by architect Tadao Ando to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the cemetery's opening. ⭕ The special thing about the entire Buddha statue is that the Buddha's body is hidden under a man-made hill, only revealing the top of the head. ⭕ Such a design can't help but remind people of the ancient Chinese grottoes, and the 'hidden' Buddha statue is full of mystery. ⭕ Unlike most of the Buddha statues we see today, this Buddha statue actually has a beard. The same is true for the Takasaki Buddha in the Hokuriku region I visited before. ⭕ Looking up at this 13.5-meter-high Buddha statue, there is a quiet power. Especially the constantly changing Buddha shadow presented by the reflection of light and shadow, sensing the passage of time, the silent vitality of all things. ⭕ In fact, the hill is a sea of flowers composed of 150,000 lavender plants. In summer, the Buddha's head will appear and disappear in the purple sea of summer. ⭕ In addition, at the entrance of the cemetery, there is a row of 'Easter Island' huge Moai statues, and under the contrast of the white snow in winter, it gives people an unreal illusion. 📷TIPS: 1⃣️ Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens, if not, a mobile phone is also fine, the effect is different! 2⃣️ It is recommended to go in the morning, at this time the face of the Buddha statue is in the direction of the light, it will be more clear and shocking. 3⃣️ Please keep quiet during the shooting process, do not make noise. 📍Address: 〒005-0862 Sapporo City, Minami-ku, Takino 2 🚗Transportation: Get off at the subway Namboku Line Manaiuchi Station and transfer to the bus (there are several buses that can reach) ⏳Opening hours: April to October 7:00 to 19:00 November to March 7:00 to 18:00 Worship time: April to October 9:00 to 16:00 November to March 10:00 to 15:00

The Hill of the Buddha 頭大仏, 

Location:Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Opened:December 2015 Walking around Makomanai Takino Cemetery, located in Hokkaido Prefecture’s Sapporo City, you will see just the head of a large buddha statue from afar. Many tourists are surprised at the Atama Daibutsu statue's entirety once they get a closer look.Peeking its head over fields of Hokkaido lavender, the Hill of the Buddha is a monument in Mokomanai Takino Cemetery located in Hokkaido Prefecture’s Sapporo City. This monument was completed in 2016 as a way to commemorate the cemetery’s 30th anniversary. #sapporo

Hill of Buddha 🇯🇵

#traveldiaries The Head of Buddha is a magnificent piece of architecture made by one of the legends of Japanese design, Tadao Ando, in Japan 🇯🇵. While its scale is astounding, it's made even more so majestic in winter when the grand Buddha's shoulders, head, and lap are heaped with meters-high piles of snow. From Sapporo Subway station (N06) take the Namboku line bound for Makomanai and get off at the terminal at Makomanai (N16) Outside Makomanai station take the Chuo bus no. 106 or Chuo bus no. 108 to get to Takino Cemetery from where it is a short walk to the Buddha. The bus ride costs 380 Yen. #100waysoftravel #traveldiaries

Buddha hill

Praying in Buddha Hill at Sapporo #blessed

Although it's relatively niche, it's definitely worth a visit.

The attraction is considered niche, and not many people go there. The Atama Daibutsu is a masterpiece by the architectural genius Tadao Ando, located in the Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Hokkaido, Japan. Combining the natural landscape of Hokkaido with the undulating terrain of the surrounding hills, Ando designed the Atama Daibutsu Hall. Tadao Ando incorporated modern design by creating an unconventional circular structure around the Buddha, enhancing its sense of mystery. The surrounding area is an expansive grassland, and from a distance, the Buddha's head appears to be bowed in contemplation. The place evokes a great sense of solemnity and grandeur!

Serenity Amidst Architectural Splendor

#japantrip Location : Hill of the Buddha 頭大仏殿 2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862, Japan The Hill of the Buddha, located at 2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a breathtaking spiritual and architectural marvel. Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, this site features a 44-foot Buddha statue enveloped by a striking hill, creating a serene and meditative environment. The approach to the statue through a 131-foot tunnel enhances the sense of tranquility and anticipation. Surrounded by a sea of lavender in summer and a blanket of snow in winter, the seasonal transformations add to the site's mystique and beauty. Visitors have praised the Hill of the Buddha for its harmonious blend of nature and art. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning design make it a perfect place for reflection and spiritual rejuvenation. The meticulous landscaping and thoughtful architecture are often highlighted, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and inspiration in a unique setting. #trip #2024travel #2024trip #2024travelwish #timetotravel #tripblazers #historical #heritage #japan #hokkaido #sapporo

Magnificent architecture+winter wonderland

The hill of the Buddha is hidden gem that one should visit when they are in Sapporo, Hokkaido! Nestled amidst the serene and snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, the " "}Hill of the Buddha" "} emerges as a breathtaking sight, combining art, nature, and winter magic. Designed by the famous and renowned Japanese artist Tadao Ando, this site transforms into a serene sanctuary during winter. To add on, I visited the place on a snowy day, making the experience even more magical! The integration of the sculpture with the winter landscape is simply remarkable - it feels as though the Buddha has been there for hundreds of years, watching over the snowy hills. Visiting the " "}Hill of the Buddha" "} during winter is not just a sightseeing excursion; it's also a journey into a winter wonderland that calms your soul. For travellers who want to admire the artistry, or seek solace in nature's winter beauty, this serene oasis in Hokkaido is a must go!

Hill of the Buddha เนินแห่งพระพุทธเจ้า

“The Hill of the Buddha” (เนินแห่งพระพุทธเจ้า) ออกแบบโดยสถาปนิกที่มีชื่อเสียง Tadao Ando เปิดให้บริการเมื่อธันวาคม 2015 ในพื้นที่สุสาน Makomanai Takino ในเมืองซัปโปโร ประเทศญี่ปุ่น ทันทีที่ผ่านประตูเข้ามา จะพบกับรูปปั้นหินโมอายจำลองขนาดใหญ่ทั้ง 33 ตัว ซึ่งตั้งอยู่บนเนินทางเข้า ตรงข้ามกับรูปปันจะเห็นเศียรพระที่โผล่พ้นเนินสีขาวที่ปกคลุมไปด้วยหิมะมาแต่ไกล โดยช่วงฤดูใบไม้ผลิ,ฤดูร้อนเนินตรงนี้จะปกคลุมไปด้วยดอกไม้ เมื่อเดินเข้ามาด้านในจะพบกับอุโมงค์ความยาวประมาณ 40 เมตร มีพระพุทธรูป Atama Daibutsu ความสูง 13.5 เมตร น้ำหนัก 1500 ตันประดิษฐานอยู่ที่ปลายอุโมงค์ 🚉 การเดินทางโดยรถสาธารณะ: 1. นั่ง Sapporo Subway สาย Nanboku Line ลงที่สถานี Makomanai ที่เป็นปลายทางสุดท้าย 2. จากนั้นต่อรถบัสท้องถิ่นสาย 108 (Chuo Bus) ใช้เวลาประมาณ 25 นาที (380 เยน) ลงสถานี Makomanai Takino Reien สุดสายเลย ⏱️เวลาเปิดทำการ: 9.00 - 16.00 น. (เมษายน - ตุลาคม), 10.00 - 15.00 น. (พฤศจิกายน - มีนาคม) 💵 ค่าเข้าชม: 300 เยน ต่อคน เป็นเงินบริจาค #sapporo #Japan #hokkaido #HilloftheBuddha #รีวิวที่เที่ยว #หิมะ #ฤดูหนาว #เที่ยวหน้าหนาว

A graveyard you would like to visit

#Hillofthebuddha #Sapporo Probably one of the most beautiful graveyards in the world which became a sight seeing spot in Hokkaido.

Hill of the Buddha with interesting twists

I was excited to visit this place as I read many post about how majestic and breathtaking the hill would be, given the Buddha stone sculpture would be. As we drove in, we noted the Eastern island sculptures and even a Stonehenge! Guess 1 doesn’t need to fly to UK or Easter Island to see this. #uk #stonehenge #Moai

hill of the Buddha

There are two places in Japan where we can enjoy the majestic scenery of the Giant Moai Statues in a single row. One is at Sun Messe Nichinan in Miyazaki and the other is here at the Takino Cemetery in Sapporo, Hokkaido. I've been to both places and appreciated the platoon of huge replica statues. The northern Moais are the better of the two because of their number and scale. it's free to enter the cemetery.

A moment of peace

Gread Buddha in Hokkaido, Japan.