Hill of the Buddha Entrance

@tokiokid

Japan

•

Hokkaido

•

Sapporo

There are many secrets within the Makomanai Takino Cemetery, located in Hokkaido Prefecture in Sapporo. But none is as enchanting as the crown of Buddha's head, peeking above a hill carpeted in lavender. From the outside, you cannot see the scene unfold. That is because the only thing that you can see is the head of the Great Buddha. Massive Buddha statues like this one can be found all over Japan, but the Mysterious Hill of the Buddha takes the spiritual experience to a whole other level. The monument was designed by Tadao Ando, one of Japan's great architects.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime (photo was taken outside of cemetery)

Fee

Free

Pack

Telephoto lens (200mm)
Tripod
Model
Warm clothes in winter

How to get there

N42° 55' 17.6202"E141° 21' 51.0211"

The Hill of the Buddha is located in the Hokkaido Prefecture in Sapporo. You can get there by car or by public transport. 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 This photo Hill of the Buddha was taken from a location slightly off the entrance to the worship space of the Head Buddha.