1-Day Tour from Sapporo: Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo Gems & Sake Tasting
English
1 day
(4)
A full-day tour of Sapporo led by a local English-speaking guide, visiting Butsuganji Temple, the Hill of the Buddha, the Sapporo TV Tower observation deck, and Yata Stand Bar for sake tasting. All admissions, transport, and sake tasting are included in the tour price.
English-speaking tour guide
Transportation fee from Sapporo Station to all listed destinations
All entry/admission tickets to each attraction/sightseeing spot
3 Chome-4 Chome Kita 6 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Meet your guide in front of the Myomu circular white stone structure near the South Exit of JR Sapporo Station. Exit the main JR gates, turn left, and walk toward the South Exits. Your guide will be wearing a Snow Monkey Resorts tour tag.
Arrive at Butsuganji Temple and view the 45-meter Nirvana Buddha statue lying horizontally on the roof of the Great Nirvana Temple Hall — the largest lying Buddha in Japan. The temple grounds include the Jodo Pure Land Garden, a pond, and a waterfall.
3
Hill of the Buddha, 2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Travel a short distance by bus to the Hill of the Buddha, set within a cemetery in southern Sapporo. The 13.5-meter, 1,500-tonne stone Buddha sits within an open-roofed rotunda on a gently sloping artificial hill. Approaching from the entrance, only the Buddha's head is visible above the hill.
4
1 Chome Ōdōrinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Arrive at the Sapporo TV Tower in central Odori Park, built in 1957 and standing 147.2 meters tall. The tower was designed by Tachu Naito, the same architect behind Tokyo Tower. Your guide will identify key landmarks and areas visible from the deck.
5
5 Chome Kita 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Duration: 55 minutes
Visit Yata Stand Bar, located near Sapporo Station or in the Susukino entertainment district. The bar serves a selection of Japanese sake at precisely measured temperatures. Your guide will provide information on sake varieties during the tasting.
3 Chome-4 Chome Kita 6 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Return to the meeting point at Sapporo Station, where the tour concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lunch is not included. Free time for lunch is provided at the Hill of the Buddha site from approximately 12:00 to 13:00. Your guide will suggest nearby options on request.
Clothing appropriate for the season is recommended. In winter, waterproof footwear with good grip is advised as ice and snow may be present on walking surfaces.
Children are welcome on this tour. The Buddhist sites are accessible and suitable for most ages. The sake tasting at the end of the day is intended for adults only.
If any part of the itinerary cannot proceed as scheduled, the tour operator will arrange a suitable alternative and inform guests as early as possible.
Scott was awesome and was very knowledgeable about the area. If you ask, he will make the Itinerary extra fun too! Easily got to and from the Statue and into Sapporo proper!
Denmark M
February 18, 2026
Worth it!
If you are visiting Sapporo for a few days, I highly recommend this day trip. I met Scott at the determined meeting spot and he was there waiting when I arrived on time. It turns out I was the only traveler who had booked the tour that day, so we left immediately and took public transportation. It was super easy and we were able to chat on a personal level which made it feel like traveling with a new friend.
Adventure16393628557
December 16, 2025
Denmark M
February 18, 2026
Worth the Booking!
Scott was awesome and was very knowledgeable about the area. If you ask, he will make the Itinerary extra fun too! Easily got to and from the Statue and into Sapporo proper!
Adventure16393628557
December 16, 2025
Worth it!
If you are visiting Sapporo for a few days, I highly recommend this day trip. I met Scott at the determined meeting spot and he was there waiting when I arrived on time. It turns out I was the only traveler who had booked the tour that day, so we left immediately and took public transportation. It was super easy and we were able to chat on a personal level which made it feel like traveling with a new friend.
