Hill of the Buddha, Buddhist architectural complex in Sapporo, Japan
The Hill of the Buddha is a stone statue standing 44 feet tall, set within an earthen mound surrounded by approximately 150,000 lavender plants at Makomanai Takino Cemetery. Visitors reach the statue through a 40-meter concrete tunnel leading to a circular hall where natural light illuminates the Buddha's head.
The stone statue stood alone in an open field for 15 years before being integrated into the current structure designed by architect Tadao Ando. The earthen mound and tunnel that now surround it were completed in 2015, transforming the solitary monument into an enclosed architectural complex.
The site reflects Buddhist principles through its water garden at the base, which creates a ritual path for visitors to experience clarity and spiritual cleansing. The surrounding lavender fields connect faith with nature in a way that visitors can see and walk through.
Access to the statue is through an underground passage that opens into a circular hall where you can view the Buddha's head up close. The location is situated within a cemetery, so visitors should expect a quiet, respectful environment.
The lavender field surrounding the statue changes its appearance dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings green growth, summer displays vibrant purple blooms, and winter transforms the landscape into a snowy white blanket.
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