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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > A Northern Capital Surrounded by Nature
Enjoy bustling cityscapes and stunning natural scenes in Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo
Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture
As befits the capital of nature-rich Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo City is a modern urban center where art and culture thrive in perfect harmony with the lush natural surroundings. Mountains you can see from the city center and vibrant parks throughout the area make for an environment unlike anywhere else in Japan. Enjoy the excitement of downtown before embarking on any number of natural excursions, or even relaxing hot springs, all without ever leaving Sapporo.
One such place to experience art and culture within this exquisite balance of city and nature in Sapporo is the Hill of the Buddha. Conceived by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this fascinating space features a 14-meter-tall Buddha buried in a man-made hill so that only the top of its head is visible, surrounded by 150,000 lavender plants that dye the surroundings like an amethyst ocean when they bloom in summer. This display of traditional Japanese culture perfectly blended with modern architecture is a must-see on any trip to the city. Other spots to appreciate the harmony of culture and nature in Sapporo include Moerenuma Park, the art park designed by famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi, and Sapporo Art Park, an outdoor art complex and museum.
How to get there
Hill of the Buddha:
From Sapporo Station, take the subway to Makomai Station (about 20 minutes), then take the Chuo Bus to the Hill of the Buddha (about 25 minutes).
Sapporo Art Park:
From Sapporo Station, take the subway to Makomai Station (about 20 minutes), then take the Chuo Bus to Sapporo Art Park (about 15 minutes).
Moerenuma Park:
From Sapporo Station, take the subway to Kanjidori-Higashi Station (about 5 minutes), then take the city bus to the Moerenuma Koen Higashiguchi stop. The park is a short walk away.
2 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
