By public transport: take the train to Makomanai Station, then continue by bus. Plan ahead, because the bus schedule is not very convenient if you arrive after 9:00.
By car, it is much easier, and there is plenty of parking.
When you arrive, you’ll see replicas of the Moai statues from Easter Island, a replica of Stonehenge, and a cute café with a lovely garden.
Entrance to the area where the Buddha statue is located costs ¥1,000.
The site is definitely impressive. The statue is huge, and the approach is beautiful: a quiet walk around the hill, passing through the corridor, and then the breathtaking Buddha statue slowly reveals itself.
The minimalism and silence are powerful. I highly recommend arriving early, as the site opens at 9:00. Later on, tour buses arrive and the place can get crowded, which may affect the peaceful atmosphere you’re looking for.
Absolutely breathtaking and so peaceful. The grounds include Moai statue replicas, a charming café and garden, and even a replica of Stonehenge. Admission is ¥1,000. The Buddha itself is hidden within a hill, and seeing just the top of its head beyond the reflecting pool was intriguing. Watching the Buddha emerge as you approach is a beautiful experience. I can only imagine how much more beautiful it would be in late summer when the hill is covered in lavender.
Hill of Buddha (Sapporo)
Refined Google review:
Visited the Hill of Buddha on my last day in Sapporo — honestly, I didn’t have much planned and just decided to drive there. It turned out to be one of the most unexpected and memorable experiences of the trip.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the space is both minimal and powerful. As you walk through the curved concrete tunnel, the view slowly opens up to reveal the massive Buddha statue — very calm, almost spiritual. The entire structure is surrounded by a hill covered in lavender (in season), making it feel serene and beautifully integrated with nature.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and quite different from typical tourist spots. Even if you’re not specifically interested in architecture, the atmosphere and design are truly impressive.
Definitely worth the drive — a hidden gem in Sapporo.
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, there is a dedicated bus service, from Makomanai metro station, that takes you to the Hill of the Buddha. For adults, admission fee is 1000 JPY and kids under 12 are free.
When you enter there is a large pool or as they call - Water Garden. As you walk through a tunnel, you will see the magnificent Buddha statue. So calm and peaceful. There are some chairs to sit, pray, relax and admire the Buddha. This worship hall was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Because all of it is covered by a hill of lavender except for the face which watches over the precious spirit, he named it “Hill of the Buddha”.
You can spend as much time as you want. Since, it's a tourist spot, there will always be crowd but the place is huge, hardly makes any difference.
It's a must for everyone.
High in the hills of Sapporo lies the serene Hill of the Buddha — a place where the air itself feels calm and time seems to slow down. I could easily spend the entire day here, simply letting my mind unwind. Truly an unforgettable experience.
The Buddha statue is massive, offering a stunning 360° view and standing as tall as a building. There are plenty of chairs around to sit, relax, and take in the peaceful atmosphere. Entry requires a small fee, but it’s well worth it. Nearby, a charming café sits beside a tranquil pond, setting the perfect tone of stillness. You can even buy charms to hang on the racks for good luck.
Overall, it’s an incredible spot — the perfect half-day trip from Sapporo Station.
More about Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo from our blog
