Hill of the Buddha (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Hill of the Buddha?
What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Couples can walk the lavender field, share the dramatic tunnel approach, light a joint prayer candle, and relax with drinks in the rotunda café, creating a distinctly romantic and memorable outing.
Positives:
- Accessible design: Paths and rotunda are wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
- Quiet retreat: Water garden tunnel offers a peaceful moment away from crowds.
- Architectural marvel: Tadao Ando’s concrete rotunda frames the Buddha and sky for unique photos.
Challenges:
- Seasonal closures: Hall may close early in winter; verify hours before visiting.
- Peak-season crowds: Lavender paths fill quickly on July weekends; expect lines.
What is Hill of the Buddha?
- A 13.5-meter-high concrete Buddha sculpture by Tadao Ando, integrated into a landscaped hillside within Makomanai Takino Cemetery
- A lavender-clad rotunda concealing the Buddha’s body, revealing only the head amid 150,000 seasonal lavender plants
- A minimalist Zen ensemble combining a reflecting water garden, echoing tunnel, and open-air hall beneath a sky-roofed ceiling
What is so special about Hill of the Buddha for couple trip?
- Stroll hand-in-hand through vibrant lavender blooms in mid-July.
- Experience the water garden purification and echoing tunnel together.
- Share luck by writing wishes on ema plaques or drawing omikuji.
- Relax with lavender lattes in Ando’s architecturally striking rotunda.
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-2 hours
Why 0.5-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to stroll lavender fields and enter the Buddha hall without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Hill of the Buddha
Lavender-field stroll:
Walk hand-in-hand among 150,000 lavender blooms at the hill’s base.
Tip: Visit mid-July to late July for peak color. No charge to view from outside the rotunda.
Buddha Hall walkthrough:
Pass through the water garden and echoing tunnel to stand beneath the 13.5 m Buddha.
Tip: Buy 500 yen adult tickets at the entrance. Arrive at opening to avoid lines.
Wind-scented Prayer Path:
Climb a lavender-lined hillside path to view the Buddha face-to-face.
Tip: Available July 1–21. Reserve your 500 yen ticket on site early in the day.
Shared prayer ritual:
Write wishes on an ema plaque or draw an omikuji fortune slip together.
Tip: Small fee applies. Head to the ritual area before hall entry to beat crowds.
Rotunda Café break:
Sip lavender lattes or corn soup while admiring the statue through concrete ribs.
Tip: Try the lavender latte. Café seating fills by midday—plan for an early snack.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hill of the Buddha
- Early arrival: Get there at opening to enjoy quiet paths and secure café seating.
- Combined ticket purchase: Buy hall and prayer-path tickets together to skip extra lines.
- Best photo spot: Use the south lawn for clear views of Buddha and lavender fields.
Reviews of Hill of the Buddha
Pechaporn Pornpraipech
Visited on a clear day with some clouds, but the blue sky made it perfect for photos. The area is peaceful and serene, with vast open spaces to walk and explore freely. Plenty of parking is available. Staff were very helpful, especially in ensuring safety when crossing the road. A beautiful and calming place that’s worth visiting for both its scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The ticket is 500 JPY ...
Anne Lysa
The Hill of the Buddha is such a cool and unique place, located right by the cemetery. The massive Buddha statue has its head sticking out from the top of the hill, and you can visit it from underneath as well as walk up and see it from above. There’s a small entrance fee for both, but it’s absolutely worth it – not too pricey and the views are beautiful, especially when the lavender is in bloom. ...
James Ang
Hill of the Buddha is actually a cemetery, but the architecture is so amazing and well done that its actually worth visiting. The Buddha is actually located at the end of a tunnel, with a reflection pool at the beginning and eventually opening up to the Buddha itself with half its head visible from the outside as well. The entire space is tranquil and peaceful, and at the risk of being cliche, v...
Cassandra D
A beautiful park filled with intriguing architecture. The Buddha itself is exactly as pictured, and very impressive. Inside the temple, the water adds to the tranquility, and visitors are generally respectful. It was disappointing that the fee to enter the temple was 500¥, in addition to the 500¥ fee to see the park from the Buddha’s point of view (i.e. on the hill). It is not entirely worth it fo...
Emily
I highly recommend coming here! It was extremely peaceful and serene, the architecture was outstanding! I could have spent all day here. Although the stone hedges were built specifically for Hill of Buddha it was still breathtaking. This was my by far my favourite activity in Hokkaido so far Went Wednesday midday and it was not busy Parking was 500 yen, access to the Buddha statue was 300 yen...
When is the best time to visit Hill of the Buddha (Sapporo, Japan)?
Mid–late July offers full lavender bloom. In winter, heavy snow can close paths—check opening dates. Spring rains may make paths muddy; wear sturdy shoes.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Buddha hall entry (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Wind-scented Prayer Path (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Rotunda Café drinks | JPY 1,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,600 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Hill of the Buddha
Address: 2 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862, Japan
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About Hill of the Buddha
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 11-592-122310 BEST nearby Activities
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