Japan · Religious & Spiritual

8-Hour Sapporo Hill of the Buddha Tour with JR Tower and Sake Tasting

8 Hours Round trip from 2 Takino Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the Hill of the Buddha, a 13.5-meter-tall stone statue surrounded by 150,000 lavender plants
02 Experience the architectural brilliance of Tadao Ando through the tunnel-framed approach to the Buddha
03 Explore unique spiritual replicas, including the Moai statues and a full-scale model of Stonehenge
04 Ascend to the JR Tower Observatory T38 and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Sapporo from 160 meters high
05 Capture breathtaking views of the city skyline, Mt. Moiwa, Ishikari Bay, and distant mountain ranges
06 Discover the tradition of "kakuuchi" at a local standing bar with a sake tasting session

Experience the spiritual beauty and modern culture of Sapporo on this immersive full-day guided tour. Visit the awe-inspiring Hill of the Buddha, a 13.5-meter stone statue encircled by a lavender-covered mound designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, and explore nearby replicas of Moai statues and Stonehenge. Then head to the JR Tower Observatory T38 for sweeping 360-degree views of the city from 160 meters above ground. Conclude the day with a curated sake tasting session at a traditional standing bar, sampling premium varieties while learning the rich history and art of Japanese brewing.

Visit the awe-inspiring Hill of the Buddha, a 13.5-meter stone statue encircled by a lavender-covered mound designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, and explore nearby replicas of Moai statues and Stonehenge.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Sapporo

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hill of the Buddha, JR Tower Views and Sake Tasting

Explore spirituality, architecture, cityscapes, and flavors on this immersive full-day group tour in Sapporo.
Begin the day with a scenic drive to Makomanai Takino Cemetery to visit the Hill of the Buddha.
Admire the 13.5-meter-tall stone Buddha statue encircled by a lavender-covered hill designed by architect Tadao Ando.
Walk through the tunnel entrance that gradually reveals the peaceful expression of the Buddha.
Explore the surrounding area to view the Moai statues and a full-scale replica of Stonehenge.
Continue to the JR Tower Observatory T38, located on the 38th floor of Sapporo's tallest skyscraper.
Take in spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Sapporo, including Mt. Moiwa, Ishikari Bay, and the distant peaks of the Shokanbetsu range.
Enjoy free time to capture photos and admire the sweeping vistas from various observation points.
Visit a traditional "kakuuchi" standing sake bar in Sapporo's city center.
Participate in a curated sake tasting session led by knowledgeable staff.
Sample three premium varieties of Japanese sake while learning about regional brewing methods and flavor profiles.
Return to the tour departure point in central Sapporo and conclude the day with new insights and memorable experiences.

Where this trip takes you

Hill of the Buddha, JR Tower Observatory T38, Mt. Moiwa, Ishikari Bay

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from 2 Takino 1 city · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transportation costs throughout the full-day tour
All applicable admission fees to listed sites, such as the Hill of the Buddha and JR Tower Observatory T38
A sake tasting experience with three cups of carefully selected Japanese sake