Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery) Sapporo
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Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery) Sapporo

4.2
·465 reviews·Sapporo, Japan

A serene cemetery featuring Tadao Ando's Hill of the Buddha, Moai statues, and a Stonehenge replica.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Blooming lavender fields

CrowdMedium
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Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery) Sapporo

Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery) Sapporo

Best Time

Summer mornings

Blooming lavender fields

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene cemetery featuring Tadao Ando's Hill of the Buddha, Moai statues, and a Stonehenge replica.

4.2
(465 reviews)

"Totally over-the-top, and just the right kind of weird. Makes for some really fun and unexpected photo ops."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚌 Shuttle Bus Access

Take the shuttle bus from Makomanai Station for easy access. Check the official site for timetables.

📸 Photo Opportunities

Expect quirky and picturesque spots, from Moai to Stonehenge. Great for unique shots!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 465 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hill of the Buddha

Hill of the Buddha

Main attraction

A colossal Buddha head emerges from a lavender-covered hill, designed by Tadao Ando.

Instagram
Moai Statues

Moai Statues

Entrance

Easter Island-inspired Moai statues greet visitors, adding a quirky and unexpected element.

Instagram
Stonehenge Replica

Stonehenge Replica

Near the main building

A striking replica of Stonehenge offers a unique photo opportunity amidst the cemetery grounds.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visits

Remember this is a cemetery. While it features unique attractions like the Hill of the Buddha and Moai statues, maintain a respectful demeanor. Visitors often note the peaceful and sacred atmosphere, even with the quirky elements. Reddit

Timing is Key

The Hill of Buddha itself has specific operating hours, often closing around 3:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you can experience the main attraction. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Blooming lavender fields
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoons (before 3 PM)
Why
Experience the Buddha statue
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Hill of the Buddha -頭大仏殿- Hokkaido, 北海道 Beautiful places in Japan 🇯🇵 #japan #japantravel #japantrip #anime #animejapan #japananime #japantourism #japantour #japangram #japan🇯🇵 #traveljapan #tripjapan #torii #toriigate #japanstyle #japanculture #traveljapan #tripjapan #japangram #nature #hokkaido #北海道 #頭大仏殿
@takashi.film
16.5K likes • 655.9K views

🚌 Shuttle Bus Access

Take the shuttle bus from Makomanai Station for easy access. Check the official site for timetables. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Expect quirky and picturesque spots, from Moai to Stonehenge. Great for unique shots! Reddit

📍Hill of the Buddha at the main entrance last year May 7, 2024 🇯🇵🗾🗿 #sapporo #japan #sapporojapan #traveljapan #internationaltravel
@maditaylortravels
2.6K likes • 33.9K views
🇯🇵 Hill of the Buddha 📍 Takino Makomanai Cemetery, Sapporo 🪷 The Hill of the Buddha is a monument in Mokomanai Takino Cemetery located in Sapporo. It was designed by world renowned architect Tadao Ando 🪷 This monument was completed in 2016 as a way to commemorate the cemetery’s 30th anniversary 🪷 The statue was named Atama Daibutsu because only the statue’s head (atama) peeks out from the dom...
hokkaidowithmina
93 likes • 2.7K views

🌸 Lavender Season

Visit in summer for the stunning sight of 150,000 lavender plants surrounding the Buddha. Instagram

🙏 Respectful Atmosphere

Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a calm and respectful presence. Reddit

The Hill of the Buddha | A Hidden Sanctuary in Sapporo 🪷✨ Step into a meditation in stone and lavender. Designed by Tadao Ando at Makomanai Takino Cemetery (Sapporo, Japan), this shrine opened in December 2015 and transforms a solitary Buddha into a powerful sensory journey: A monumental 13.5 m (44 ft) stone Buddha head emerges from a hill planted with 150,000 lavender plants, inviting seasonal ...
archyverse
3 likes • 188 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚌 Shuttle Bus Access

Take the shuttle bus from Makomanai Station for easy access. Check the official site for timetables. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Expect quirky and picturesque spots, from Moai to Stonehenge. Great for unique shots! Reddit

🌸 Lavender Season

Visit in summer for the stunning sight of 150,000 lavender plants surrounding the Buddha. Instagram

🙏 Respectful Atmosphere

Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a calm and respectful presence. Reddit

🍽️ On-site Dining

The center building offers good quality food and service. Highly recommended! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(465 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique and unexpected blend of attractions at Makomanai Takino Cemetery, from the serene Hill of the Buddha to quirky Moai statues and a Stonehenge replica. Many highlight the beautiful lavender fields in summer and the excellent on-site dining. While it's a cemetery, the atmosphere is noted as calm and sacred, making it a worthwhile and memorable visit for those seeking something different.

"This cemetery is honestly something else. We had an extra day in Sapporo and decided to check it out – such a random but amazing experience. You've got the Easter Island heads, a full-on Stonehenge replica, a massive Buddha, and beautiful lavender fields. It’s super beautiful, totally over-the-top, and just the right kind of weird. Makes for some really fun and unexpected photo ops. Definitely worth a visit if you’re up for something a bit different."

Anne Lysa

"A very impressive place with 3 astounding sights: Moai statues, giant Buddha, and the Stonehenge replica. We spent a few hours exploring and taking photos. There’s a main building where a restaurant, cafe, washrooms etc are located. Bus 108 into town can be boarded right from the door."

Sandra Chan

"Approximately an hour away from Sapporo but easy to go to. The Moai statues welcomed us at the gate, exuding a serene presence. There were few visitors in the Hill of the Buddha —- some were locals offering their prayers. Despite a tourist attraction, the place remained calm & sacred. The Stonehenge was a fun place to take photos. If you have time, you can sit out while other tourists are gone, for that picture perfect shot 🙂"

Cynthia Regal

What People Like

Unique blend of attractions
Beautiful lavender fields
Tadao Ando's architecture

What People Dislike

Can be crowded in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hill of the Buddha is located at Makomanai Takino Cemetery, about an hour from Sapporo. You can take a bus from Makomanai Station, or if you have a car, there is ample parking available. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a shuttle bus service from Makomanai Station directly to the cemetery. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date timetable. Reddit

Absolutely! Public transportation, including buses from Makomanai Station, is a viable option for visiting the Hill of the Buddha. Reddit

The most common public transport method is taking a bus from Makomanai Station. Taxis are also an option if you prefer a more direct route. Reddit

The journey typically takes around an hour, depending on your mode of transport and traffic conditions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Makomanai Takino Cemetery and its attractions, including the Hill of the Buddha, is generally free. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website for any potential changes. Reddit

The Hill of the Buddha itself often has specific operating hours, with some sources indicating it closes around 3:30 PM. The cemetery grounds may have different hours. Reddit

No, typically there is no admission fee to enter the Makomanai Takino Cemetery. The unique attractions within are accessible to visitors. Reddit

While the lavender fields are a summer highlight, the Hill of the Buddha and other attractions are generally accessible year-round, though winter may offer a different, snow-covered landscape. Instagram

It's important to note the specific closing time for the Hill of the Buddha attraction, which is often around 3:30 PM, to ensure you can experience it. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The approach through the tunnel to reveal the Buddha head, the lavender fields in summer, and the Moai statues at the entrance are all highly photogenic. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed, but remember to be respectful of the sacred nature of the cemetery. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Buddha and the surrounding landscape. A standard lens will work well for details and portraits. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's always best to avoid intrusive photography, especially if visitors are praying or paying respects. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic opportunities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a main building that houses a restaurant and cafe, offering good quality food and service. Reddit+1

The on-site restaurant offers a variety of dishes. Visitors have praised the food quality and service. Reddit

While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally more respectful to dine at the designated facilities within the cemetery. Reddit

Yes, many visitors highly recommend having a meal there before departing due to the excellent food quality and service. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian meals is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring at the restaurant. Reddit

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