Makomanai Takino Cemetery - Hokkaido
Makomanai Takino Cemetery (真駒内滝野霊園) is a cemetery turned tourist destination on the southern outskirts of Sapporo City. It is located at 2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
![]() |
Makomanai Takino Cemetery |
Makomanai Takino Cemetery Details
Opened in 1981, Makomanai Takino Cemetery is one of Japan's largest cemeteries, offering a unique blend of nature, art, and spirituality. Operated by a public interest incorporated association, the cemetery welcomes people of all religions and nationalities. Over the years, it has become more than just a resting place—it has transformed into a must-visit destination for both visitors paying respects and tourists drawn to its stunning architecture and statues.
![]() |
Makomanai Takino Cemetery - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a row of impressive Moai statues at the main gate, followed by the serene "Hill of the Buddha", designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. The cemetery is also home to other famous architectural works and statues, each honoring the spirits of ancestors and connecting past generations with the future. You can also see the Moai Statue and Stonehenge.
Moai Statue
Located in the nature-rich Minami Ward of Sapporo, Makomanai Takino Cemetery offers a picturesque experience year-round. In spring, the cherry blossoms (Sakura) create a beautiful, peaceful setting, while summer fills the air with the fragrance of blooming lavenders, especially around the "Hill of the Buddha." In autumn, the changing colors of the leaves create a mesmerizing display, and winter blankets the cemetery in pure white snow, adding to its serene atmosphere.
The Hill of the Buddha
The cemetery also features a restaurant and café with free Wi-Fi, making it a perfect place to relax, and a souvenir shop offering unique and original items. Surrounded by natural beauty, visitors may also spot wild animals and birds wandering the grounds, adding to the charm of the location. Makomanai Takino Cemetery is a peaceful sanctuary in Sapporo, making it a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience a mix of culture, nature, and history.
Team Nicerio visits Makomanai Takino Cemetery
My family and I visited Makomanai Takino Cemetery 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. Before our visit, we had seen photos of this place in different Facebook Groups that we belong to, and we were really interested to see it with our own eyes. During our visit, winter was about to end, so there was still plenty of snow, and most of the places were relatively wet. Hopefully, we get to revisit Makomanai Takino Cemetery in a different season in the future to see its different beauty.
Makomanai Takino Cemetery Admission Fee
It’s FREE to visit and explore the Makomanai Takino Cemetery grounds. Parking is also FREE.
During my recent visit, I discovered that you need to pay a 500 yen parking fee at the parking area near the Hill of Buddha.
You also need to pay a 300 yen entrance fee if you want to go inside the Hill of Buddha. The Moai Statues and Stonehenge areas are still FREE of charge.
Makomanai Takino Cemetery Operating Hours
Makomanai Takino Cemetery is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit Makomanai Takino Cemetery?
Whether you’re drawn to the artistic architecture, the stunning seasonal displays, or the serene environment, Makomanai Takino Cemetery is a must-see destination in Sapporo, offering an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and history. Don’t miss this peaceful sanctuary that honors the past while connecting visitors with the beauty of the present and future.
Getting to Makomanai Takino Cemetery
To get to 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.
Ratings
![]() |
Crowd |
![]() |
Cleanliness |
![]() |
Overall rating |
![]() |
Comments
Post a Comment