Serenity, Skyscrapers & Sips: Hill of the Buddha, JR Tower 38 & Craft Sake Tour
Joined 2025
A captivating 1-day experience that weaves together the spiritual, the scenic, and the sensory. At the Hill of the Buddha, world-renowned architect Tadao Ando’s minimalist genius frames a towering stone Buddha in a sea of seasonal lavender. The JR Tower T38, soaring 160 meters above the city offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sapporo’s skyline. Finally, "sake tasting" where you will sample a curated selection of Japan’s finest sake brews, learning the nuances of sake from sake experts.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Inside of Sapporo Station at The White Circular Stone Structure in the south exit sliding doors.
- Inside of Sapporo Station at The White Circular Stone Structure in front of the south exit sliding doors. Near the front inner entrance of Daimaru Department Store.
Hill of The Buddha
The Hill of the Buddha is a striking architectural and spiritual landmark in Sapporo, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando. The centerpiece is a 13.5-meter-tall stone Buddha statue, originally standing alone in a flat field. Ando transformed the site by enveloping the statue in a circular hill covered with over 150,000 lavender plants. Visitors approach the Buddha through a dramatic tunnel, which opens upward to reveal the serene figure bathed in natural light. This blending of nature, architecture, and spirituality creates a powerful, contemplative experience that evolves with the seasons. In addition, see The Moai Statues and Stonehenge. A must see visit!!
LUNCH at The Restaurant Moai
Nice restaurant to visit after going to the Buddha Hill. Food is surprisingly good and reasonably priced. Very afforable. View is fantastic of the scenery outside. A varied menu but the "katsu curry" seems to be everyone's favorite. A 1 hour lunch break on this tour.
The JR Tower Observatory T38
The JR Tower Observatory T38 is Sapporo's premier observation deck, perched 160 meters above ground on the 38th floor of the city's tallest skyscraper. Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, it offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
From this vantage point, visitors can admire the orderly grid of central Sapporo, the distant Ishikari Bay New Port to the north, Mt. Teine to the west, the Sapporo Dome to the south, and, on clear days, the Ishikari River and distant mountains like Mt. Yubari and Mt. Ashibetsu to the east. The observatory's ambiance is enhanced by artistic installations and a relaxing café, making it an ideal spot to unwind. A unique feature is the men's restroom, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a view that's both unexpected and memorable. Both day and night views are breathtaking. This tour: the day view.
Coconos Susukino Complex
Nemoto Saketen is a distinguished sake and whisky shop located on the B1 floor of COCONO SUSUKINO, a new landmark in Sapporo's bustling Susukino district. Established in 1945, this is the second branch of the long-standing Nemoto Shoten.
The shop offers an extensive selection of over 150 varieties of Japanese sake and whiskies, including rare and hard-to-find labels from both Hokkaido and across Japan. Notably, it features a "kakuuchi" (standing bar) area, allowing customers to sample various beverages on-site. Visitors can enjoy tasting sets, such as three types of Japanese sake (60ml each), (30ml each), (15ml each). The staff are very "well versed" in sake knowledge and will explain or answer any questions the tour guests might have while "sake tasting".
With its bright and welcoming interior, Nemoto Saketen provides an inviting atmosphere for both connoisseurs and casual visitors to explore and appreciate Japan's rich alcoholic beverage culture. Whether you're looking to purchase a unique bottle as a souvenir or indulge in a quick tasting session, this shop offers a memorable experience in the heart of Susukino(Sapporo's entertainment district).
Sapporo Station
Arrive back at Sapporo station and at the original meet up point by 5:30pm. The tour ends.
Ending Point
At Sapporo St. at the original a.m. meeting point.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Native English speaking guide tour services.
• Transportation fees(subway, bus) for the guide only.
• Admission fee to The Hill of The Buddha.
• Admission fee to The JR Tower 38.
• Sake tasting/ 3 shot glasses of sake.
• Lunch. Each guest will pay for his/her own lunch.
•Transportation fees (subway & bus) approx 1.000yen.
Tour Important Information
• Guests must be 20years of age or older to participate in the sake tasting.
• The Hill of The Buddha is on a high plain so proper seasonal wear
should be worn. Often windy and very cold there in winter.
• A decent amount of walking will take place so good walking shoes
should be worn.
• Dress(clothing worn) should be appropriate for the given season.
This tour will be available on Monday, Friday, Saturday. The tour starts at 9a.m. from Sapporo JR Station and will conclude at about 5:30pm., at Sapporo JR Station.
Important message from the supplier
I am available Monday, Friday and Saturday. For other days, I would require at least a 14 day advance notice. Most of my tours would start at 8 or 9a.m. from Sapporo Station and conclude at /between 6:00 to 6:30.m. at Sapporo St(in case of the 1 Day Tour). If requested, I could meet you in the lobby of your hotel in the morning of the day of the tour as well.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Scott E.
I am an American male bi-lingual (English & Japanese)tour guide based/living in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. I have lived here several decades and I very familiar with the best places to see in Sapporo and outside of Sapporo/ other areas of Hokkaido. I can take you to the standard/well known sightseeing spots as well as "off the beaten path spots" that many overseas guests are unaware of. My tours are fun, on schedule, informative and transportation-wise very timely and smooth. Less time commuting and more time at location enjoying each point of interest. I have many years experience guiding tours in Sapporo and out to other areas of Hokkaido as well. Most of my tours are 1 day tours usually starting at 8 or 9a.m. and concluding at 6p.m. I basically use public transportation(buses, JR trains, and subways). I do own my own personal car and for guided tours with only 1 guest or small groups 2-3 guests, my private car is available for use. Meet up locations is usually at Sapporo Station in the morning but I can arrrange to meet you in the lobby of your hotel if requested. I look forward to guiding you here in Sapporo and throughout Hokkaido. Tour guide Scott. Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
$210/ per person
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