Perched atop the picturesque Makomanai Takino Cemetary in Sapporo, the Sapporo Hill of Buddha and Moai Statues emerges as a unique fusion of cultural diversity and artistic expression. As you ascend the gentle slopes of the park, a sense of tranquility envelops you, preparing the senses for the breathtaking sight that awaits. The Hill of Buddha, adorned with the serenity of a massive Buddha sculpture, serves as a spiritual centerpiece, offering a place for contemplation and reflection amid the lush greenery. Nearby, the enigmatic Moai statues, reminiscent of Easter Island, add an unexpected touch of Polynesian mystique to the Hokkaido landscape. This harmonious convergence of Eastern spirituality and Pacific island allure creates a captivating atmosphere, making the Sapporo Hill of Buddha and Moai Statues a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of cultural intrigue and natural beauty. Join me on this cultural odyssey as we explore the artistry and symbolism that make this hill an extraordinary gem within Sapporo’s vibrant tapestry. If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!

Sapporo Hill of Buddha: Experience

Departing from Sapporo Station

It was a lazy Sunday during a big snowstorm in Sapporo, as I was sipping a hot coffee in the morning, I was invited to visit The Hill of the Buddha and Moai Statues located in Makomanai Takino Cemetary. Since I had never visited that place, and I was always sitting down doing coding works the entire week, I decided to go. The trip was better than I expected since visiting the place during winter gave me different kind of serene experience! Makomanai Takino Cemetary is located on the south outskirt of Sapporo. Since it is located quite far away from the downtown area, if you are planning to go visit during the weekdays, be prepared to prepare around 1420 yen for transportation (580 yen for roundtrip subway fare from Sapporo Station, and 840 yen for roundtrip bus fare from Makomanai Station).

Succulent Shop in the bus station

It was so freezing during blizzard, so when we arrived, we immediately seeked shelter inside a flower shop near the bus stop! The flower shop is called “Takino Flower Marche” and it sells a lot of plants, mainly succulents, and it was so warm inside the shop so we ended up resting there for a while.

Moai Statues

Moai Statues are located a bit away from the bus station, you need to walk around 5 minutes to the site. These Moai Statues are actually directly visible when you enter the front gate of the cemetery. 

Buddha Statues

While everyone was busy taking pictures around Moai Statues, I decided to go first to the Giant Buddha Statue. This 13.5m (44ft) tall statue was sculpted by Tadao Ando, and the statue is encircled by artificial hill planted with 150,000 Lavender plants! There are also some smaller buddha statues around the giant statue, make sure to walk around the giant statue to find them!