Hill of the Buddha

The religious site features a 44-foot Buddha statue within a circular mound covered by 150,000 lavender plants at Makomanai Takino Cemetery.

The stone Buddha statue, weighing 1,500 tons, stood alone in an open field for 15 years until architect Tadao Ando completed the structure in 2015.

The design incorporates a water garden at the base, representing Buddhist principles of clarity through a ritual path around the fountain.

Visitors access the statue through a 40-meter concrete tunnel that leads to a circular hall where natural light illuminates the Buddha's head.

The landscaping changes appearance throughout the seasons, from green in spring to purple in summer and white with snow in winter.

Architects: Tadao Ando

GPS coordinates: 42.92056,141.36275

Latest update: March 13, 2025 12:27