Hill of the Buddha - Hokkaido

Hill of the Buddha (頭大仏殿) is a shrine with a giant statue of Buddha “hidden” inside a hill. It is located inside Makomanai Takino Cemetery in 2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Hill of Buddha

Hill of the Buddha Details

WINTER

The Hill of the Buddha is officially named 頭大仏 in kanji and reads as "Atama Daibutsu" which translates as "Large Buddha's Head". It is popularly known to locals and tourists as the Hill of Buddha and is located at Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo one of the most remarkable spiritual and architectural landmarks in Japan. Designed by renowned Japanese modernist architect Tadao Ando, the shrine features a striking 13.5-meter (44-foot) tall statue of the Buddha, which is encircled by an artificial hill rotunda. The hill is uniquely planted with 150,000 lavender plants, adding to the serene beauty of the space, especially during the summer when the lavenders bloom in vibrant hues.

Hill of the Buddha - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture

The design cleverly incorporates a pre-existing Buddha statue, originally sculpted around the year 2000, which once stood alone. In the new design, as visitors approach the shrine, only the Buddha's head is visible, protruding from the hill. To fully appreciate the statue, visitors enter the shrine through a tunnel, which leads them into the rotunda and offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the Buddha in its serene setting. 

The Hill of the Buddha as seen from the Moai Statues

From the outside, you can only see the tip of the Buddha's head

頭大仏殿

The entrance of the Hill of the Buddha

You can see the leg of the Atama Daibutsu from here

Keep these in mind when visiting the Hill of the Buddha

Rotunda Cafe

Rotunda Cafe and Store

The Hill of the Buddha opened to the public in December 2015 and has since become a symbol of spiritual harmony, where architecture, nature, and reverence come together beautifully.

Photo inside the Hill of the Buddha

Atama Daibutsu

Ema or prayer boards inside the Hill of The Buddha

Dobachi or Japanese resting bell

A Buddhist bell and drum used for memorial services

This tranquil site at Makomanai Takino Cemetery is not only a place for quiet reflection but also one of the most iconic photo opportunities in Sapporo, attracting tourists and photographers alike. Whether surrounded by the cherry blossoms of spring, the lavender fields of summer, the colorful leaves of autumn, or the peaceful snow of winter, the Hill of the Buddha stands as a timeless tribute to both the spiritual and natural world, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sapporo.

Team Nicerio visits the Hill of the Buddha

My family and I visited the Hill of the Buddha for the first time last March 26, 2023, which was the 2nd day of our 2-day W73 Road Trip. It was my 510th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was probably the highlight of our visit to Makomanai Takino Cemetery. We were lucky when we visited, as there were only a handful of people in the shrine. However, since it was late winter, the hill wasn’t covered in its famed lavender. Hopefully, we can revisit it next time and see the hill with the lavender in full bloom.

 

Hill of the Buddha Admission Fee

It’s FREE to visit and explore the Hill of the Buddha grounds. Parking is also FREE.

Update: During my recent visit, I was surprised to discover that both parking and entrance to the Hill of Buddha now have a fee. For the parking, the one nearest the Hill of Buddha costs 500 yen. 

As for the entrance fee to the Hill of Buddha, you need to pay 300 yen per person regardless of age.

Hill of the Buddha Operating Hours

The Hill of the Buddha is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Why visit the Hill of the Buddha?

The Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo is a serene and spiritually enriching destination designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Featuring a 13.5-meter-tall Buddha statue surrounded by an artificial hill rotunda planted with 150,000 lavender plants, the shrine offers a unique and tranquil experience. Visitors can enter through a tunnel to view the Buddha’s head emerging from the hill, creating a reflective and peaceful atmosphere. With its stunning seasonal changes and harmonious blend of architecture and nature, the Hill of the Buddha is a must-visit destination for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and spiritual connection.

Getting to the Hill of the Buddha 

 

To get to the Hill of the Buddha in Makomanai Takino Cemetery from Sapporo Station, follow these steps:

By Public Transport:

Train and Bus Combination:

From Sapporo Station, take the Namboku Subway Line to Makomanai Station (about 20 minutes).

At Makomanai Station, transfer to the Chuo Bus Takino Line (102) and alight at Takino Cemetery (approximately 30 minutes).

Direct Taxi from Makomanai Station:

From Makomanai Station, you can take a taxi directly to Makomanai Takino Cemetery (around 15 minutes).

By Car/Taxi:

If you’re driving or taking a taxi, the journey from Sapporo Station takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

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