Things to do in Sapporo：Makomanai Takino Cemetery/Great Buddha Head

A new famous spot in Sapporo that is becoming a hot topic on SNS!

The stone statue of the Great Buddha has been familiar to everyone as the symbol of Makomanai Takino Cemetery. The Head Great Buddha Hall was newly created by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando as a worship space centered around this Great Buddha. Towards a more solemn presence that captivates people’s hearts.

 

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北海道公式観光サイト『HOKKAIDO LOVE!』(@goodday_hokkaido)がシェアした投稿

Mr. Ando’s answer was to boldly cover the Great Buddha with a hill of lavender. Along with the scenery of the hill, the only thing that comes into view is the head of the Great Buddha. Its innovative and impressive appearance is the “Big Head Buddha”. A new symbol of Makomanai Takino Cemetery was born with a dynamic landscape that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding seasons.

 

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Vivi 🌸(@vivis_life_journey)がシェアした投稿

Surprise and excitement along the way

Even if you can see the face of the Great Buddha, you can’t get to it right away. This is Mr. Ando’s unique style of production. The inspiration behind this idea came from the impression I felt when I looked up at a Buddha statue shining in the faint light deep inside a cave in India or China. The “water garden” is a 40m long tunnel that is shrouded in darkness and where you are forced to take a detour instead of heading straight ahead. Each one raises expectations. After passing through the tunnel, you can finally see the Great Buddha. The roofless space brings together the natural elements of the day, such as the light from the sky, the flow of clouds, wind, rain and snow, making the encounter with the Great Buddha even more divine.

 

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Cecilia Cindy(@ceciliacindyy)がシェアした投稿

Buildings of Makomanai Takino Cemetery

The first thing that greets visitors is the Moai statues lined up at the main gate. And then there is the Great Buddha Hall, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. As you walk through the cemetery, you will see stone statues such as the Rokujizo and Kannon statues, as well as objects and monuments from around the world.

 

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まみゅ🍀(@mamyu9)がシェアした投稿

It is fully equipped with permanent memorial facilities such as Octagonal Hall, Furusato Mausoleum, Head Daibutsu Mausoleum, and Stonehenge, as well as a memorial service venue to remember the deceased, and an administrative office with a restaurant and shop. A wide variety of statues and buildings enshrine spirits, protect all people, and pass on the proof of life to future generations. Makomanai Takino Cemetery is waiting for you as a cheerful sacred place that many people visit.

 

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たけまる(@takehiro.5963)がシェアした投稿

This is a place where you can meet your loved ones.

A cemetery where many spirits rest. For those attending a memorial service or visiting a grave, this is a home away from home, a special and sacred place where they can meet family, friends, and loved ones.

 

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sarah(@sarah.4983)がシェアした投稿

At the same time, it is a park cemetery operated and managed by a public interest incorporated association whose business purpose is to contribute to the development of the local community and the improvement of the welfare of the people of Hokkaido, and it is also a place where anyone can gather and relax. We aim to be a cemetery that is close to all the people who use it, that they will want to visit again and again, and that will make them look forward to visiting graves. We ask all visitors to the park to cooperate in maintaining peace and order by observing traffic rules and etiquette for viewing and visiting graves.

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website