Hill of the Buddha (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Hill of the Buddha?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Stroller-friendly paths, nursing room, and baby seats help parents, but long outdoor stretches, variable weather, and no diaper sales require careful packing and monitoring of the infant’s comfort.
Positives:
- Stroller access: Wide, flat paths and indoor hall allow smooth stroller movement.
- Dedicated baby facilities: On-site nursing room and priority toilets ease infant care.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Outdoor areas have few covered spots—bring a sunshade for your baby.
- Changing room fee: Changing rooms cost 500¥ per use—plan supplies to limit visits.
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 with baby?
- Stroller-friendly paths and hall access
- Free baby-care rooms and priority toilets
- Engaging water garden, tunnel walk & lavender views
- On-site café seating near baby-friendly areas
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to see the water garden, view the lavender hill, and use baby-care facilities before baby’s nap.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Hill of the Buddha
Walk through the water garden and tunnel:
Enter the hall via the shallow water garden and echoing tunnel to reach the open-air Buddha hall.
Tip: Buy adult tickets (500¥ each) and take turns with your partner so one can stay with baby while the other explores inside.
View Buddha head from lavender hill:
Stroll on the flat lawn to see the 13.5m concrete statue emerging from 150,000 lavender plants.
Tip: Visit morning or late afternoon in July to avoid heat and use sunshade for baby in stroller.
Relax at Rotunda Café:
Enjoy a hot corn-soup or lavender latte with views of the Buddha through the café windows.
Tip: Choose a seat near the entrance so baby can rest in the stroller within sight.
Use baby-care facilities:
Find the nursing room, priority toilets with baby seats, and changing rooms in the Management Office.
Tip: Ask staff at arrival for free access to the nursing room and diaper-changing seats.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hill of the Buddha
- Early arrival: Visit right at opening to avoid crowds and secure a café seat near the entrance.
- Ticket strategy: Purchase two adult tickets and swap turns exploring the hall to balance baby care.
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)?
Lavender bloom peaks mid-July to late July. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and pollen.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entry (2×500¥) | JPY 1,000 |
| Rotunda Café snack | JPY 800 |
| Changing room use | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,300 |
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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