Hill of the Buddha

@tokiokid

Japan

•

Hokkaido

•

Sapporo

Cemeteries often have a mysterious air about them. But Sapporo’s Makomanai Takino Cemetery takes it to a whole new level. Tucked at the foothills of misty mountains and carpeted in fields of lavender, the cemetery holds much beauty and a few secrets. The centerpiece of the cemetery is a dome-shaped hillside, at the center of which is a 44-foot-tall statue of a sitting Buddha. From the outside, all you can see is the crown of the Buddha’s head. But as you approach through a 130-feet tunnel, the scene begins to unfold from ordinary to extraordinary.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

9 AM - 3 PM daily

Fee

Free

Pack

Wide angle lens (16mm)
Tripod
Model
Warm clothes in winter

How to get there

N42° 55' 14.0304"E141° 21' 45.8532"

This photo was taken in the worship space of the Hill of the Buddha in Sapporo. You have several options to get there. By car: The cemetery is located right off Route 341. It takes around 40 minutes to drive from Sapporo. By public transport: It takes 18 minutes from Sapporo Station to Makomanai Station by subway on the Namboku Line. From Makomanai Station, take the Sapporo Chuo Bus 108 (Platform 2). You will arrive at Makomanai Takino Cemetery in about 20 to 23 minutes. Atama daibutsu mae is the last stop. You can visit their official website to learn more about the bus times: https://www.takinoreien.com/pages/108/#block3514 At the cemetery, you will find the Hill of the Buddha. Walk through the 40-meter tunnel to come to this exact spot.