Makomanai Cemetery’s Hill of Buddha
Located outside Sapporo, Makomanai Cemetery is one of the most peaceful places in Japan. For over a decade, the 1500 ton Buddha was located on a ground of the cemetery. But an architect Tadao Ando transformed the place into a mystic sanctuary.
He built a hill of lavender plants around the statue, so Buddha is mostly hidden underground. But, visitors, who wish to see it first, pass a rectangular lake and then enter a 130 feet long tunnel leading to the statue.
Whether, its covered in purple in summer or becoming winter wonderland in snow, Hill of Buddha is a beautiful sight anytime of the year.
Photographs by Shigeo Ogawa, Hiroo Namiki
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Hill of the Buddha, Makomanai Takino Cemetery, 2 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Japan
- Access
- Wheelchairs and strollers permitted; assistance dogs only. Bus 108 from Makomanai Station stop 2. September 25–October 20, 2026 cleaning will obscure the Buddha and restrict some areas
- Admission
- ¥1,000 per person; children under 12 free. Parking and bus fares separate
- Best season
- Around July for lavender bloom; exact flowering varies
- Opening hours
- Apr–Oct 09:00–16:00; Nov–Mar 10:00–15:00; maintenance closures. Closed mornings April 22 and October 22 for memorial services
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-10
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