Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery) Sapporo
A serene cemetery featuring Tadao Ando's Hill of the Buddha, Moai statues, and a Stonehenge replica.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming lavender fields
Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery) Sapporo
Best Time
Blooming lavender fields
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene cemetery featuring Tadao Ando's Hill of the Buddha, Moai statues, and a Stonehenge replica.
"Totally over-the-top, and just the right kind of weird. Makes for some really fun and unexpected photo ops."
🚌 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hill of the Buddha
Main attraction
A colossal Buddha head emerges from a lavender-covered hill, designed by Tadao Ando.
Moai Statues
Entrance
Easter Island-inspired Moai statues greet visitors, adding a quirky and unexpected element.
Stonehenge Replica
Near the main building
A striking replica of Stonehenge offers a unique photo opportunity amidst the cemetery grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚌 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!
🌸 Lavender Season
Visit in summer for the stunning sight of 150,000 lavender plants surrounding the Buddha.
🙏 Respectful Atmosphere
Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a calm and respectful presence.
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.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Expect quirky and picturesque spots, from Moai to Stonehenge. Great for unique shots!
🌸 Lavender Season
Visit in summer for the stunning sight of 150,000 lavender plants surrounding the Buddha.
🙏 Respectful Atmosphere
Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a calm and respectful presence.
🍽️ On-site Dining
The center building offers good quality food and service. Highly recommended!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. +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.
Absolutely! Public transportation, including buses from Makomanai Station, is a viable option for visiting the Hill of the Buddha.
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.
The journey typically takes around an hour, depending on your mode of transport and traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, typically there is no admission fee to enter the Makomanai Takino Cemetery. The unique attractions within are accessible to visitors.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Photography is generally allowed, but remember to be respectful of the sacred nature of the cemetery.
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.
While not explicitly stated, it's always best to avoid intrusive photography, especially if visitors are praying or paying respects.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a main building that houses a restaurant and cafe, offering good quality food and service. +1
The on-site restaurant offers a variety of dishes. Visitors have praised the food quality and service.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally more respectful to dine at the designated facilities within the cemetery.
Yes, many visitors highly recommend having a meal there before departing due to the excellent food quality and service.
Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian meals is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring at the restaurant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the summer months to enjoy the vibrant lavender fields, which can be a delightful sensory experience for younger visitors.
The on-site restaurant also provides a convenient option for meals, making it easier to manage a family outing. 📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+1 The contrast between the minimalist concrete structure and the natural landscape, especially the lavender fields in summer, provides endless photographic opportunities. +1Beyond the main attraction, the Moai statues and Stonehenge replica offer quirky and unexpected subjects that can lead to truly unique shots.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers can easily combine a visit here with other Sapporo attractions. The on-site restaurant is a convenient spot for lunch, and the cemetery's peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the city bustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Tadao Ando's Vision
Ando's signature minimalist style is evident in the design, which uses natural elements and geometric forms to create a profound sense of peace and serenity. The centerpiece is the 13.5-meter tall Buddha, whose head emerges from a mound planted with 150,000 lavender plants. Visitors approach through a tunnel, and the statue is gradually revealed in a roofless hall, creating a dramatic and moving experience.
+1 This architectural approach encourages visitors to engage with the monument on a deeper, more spiritual level, making it more than just a statue but an immersive work of art. Ando's design for the Makomanai Takino Cemetery is celebrated for its ability to blend the sacred with the natural world. The Hill of the Buddha is not just a monument but a sanctuary that invites meditation and reflection, a hallmark of Ando's architectural philosophy.
+1Beyond the Buddha: Quirky Attractions
+1 These replicas provide a striking contrast to the traditional cemetery landscape and are a popular spot for memorable photos. Adding to the quirky charm is a replica of Stonehenge. This impressive stone circle offers another distinct photographic opportunity and contributes to the site's overall sense of wonder and surprise.
The presence of these diverse sculptures, from ancient Easter Island figures to ancient British monuments, within a Japanese cemetery is a testament to the site's unique character. It transforms a place of remembrance into an engaging destination that sparks curiosity and offers a blend of solemnity and playful discovery.
Seasonal Beauty: Lavender and Beyond
+2 This seasonal spectacle transforms the site into a vibrant and fragrant paradise, attracting visitors eager to witness its beauty. Beyond the summer bloom, the cemetery offers a different kind of beauty throughout the year. In autumn, the surrounding foliage may provide a colorful backdrop, while winter can blanket the landscape in snow, offering a tranquil and ethereal atmosphere.
Each season presents a unique perspective on the Hill of the Buddha and its surroundings, inviting repeat visits to experience its evolving charm.Visitors planning a trip should consider the seasonal highlights when scheduling their visit. While the lavender is a major draw in summer, the unique architectural and sculptural elements are present year-round, offering a compelling experience regardless of the season.
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Social
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