Hill of the Buddha (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Hill of the Buddha?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can enjoy tranquil meditation, iconic Tadao Ando architecture, safe paved paths, photo spots, and a quiet café within a compact visit, making the site highly rewarding and low-stress.
Positives:
- Quiet Reflection: The water garden and hall offer a serene setting perfect for solo meditation.
- Architectural Interest: Tadao Ando’s concrete forms use light and shadow to enhance the Buddha’s presence.
Challenges:
- Transport Timing: Buses run roughly once per hour; check the timetable to avoid long waits.
- Cool Temperatures: The concrete hall remains cool year-round; bring a light jacket even in summer.
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 solo trip?
- Explore Ando’s water garden and echoing tunnel solo.
- Frame the Buddha head rising from lush lavender fields.
- Rest at the Rotunda Café with a specialty lavender drink.
- Enjoy serene architecture and personal meditation time.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to walk the water garden tunnel, view the head Buddha hall, photograph lavender fields, and rest in the café.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Hill of the Buddha
Meditative Water Garden Walk:
Enter the 40 m tunnel and water garden to reach the open-air hall beneath the 13.5 m statue.
Tip: Walk slowly and focus on the echoing water to clear your mind.
Lavender Field Photo Tour:
Wander the trails and frame the Buddha head emerging from 150,000 lavender blooms.
Tip: Get low among the flowers for a dynamic shot of the Buddha peeking through purple.
Rotunda Café Reflection:
Sip a lavender latte or hot corn soup at the on-site café inside the rotunda hall.
Tip: Sit by a concrete rib to view the statue through the slits while you journal.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hill of the Buddha
- Book Early Bus: Catch the first bus from Makomanai Station to enjoy the site before crowds build.
- Carry Yen Coins: Use exact change for the ticket counter and small on-site purchases.
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-July to early August brings peak lavender bloom—visit at dawn for soft light and fewer people. In winter, snow blankets the site; confirm bus schedules before heading out.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hall entry ticket | JPY 500 |
| Round-trip bus fare | JPY 1,000 |
| Café drink | JPY 600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
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
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