Sapporo: Buddha Hill, TV Tower, and Sake Stand Bar Tour

Sapporo, the vibrant city in northern Japan, offers a captivating cultural tour that delves into its rich heritage. Spanning 8.5 hours, this immersive experience showcases the city’s architectural gems, spiritual havens, and local flavors. From the serene Butsugan-ji Temple to the awe-inspiring Hill of The Buddha, the tour promises an unforgettable journey. But the true highlight? A chance to savor the renowned Sapporo sake at the Yata Sake Stand Bar, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the city’s unique charms.

This experience made our article of Best Tours in Sapporo: Our Top 20 Picks.

Key Points

• Immersive Sapporo tour covering cultural and architectural highlights, including Butsugan-ji Temple, Hill of The Buddha, Sapporo TV Tower, and sake tasting.
• Tour duration of 8.5 hours and priced at $173.69 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Explore the sacred cemetery with Moai statues and a Stonehenge replica, and ascend the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic city views.
• Conclude the tour with a sake tasting session at Yata Sake Stand Bar.
• Tour not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sapporo tour offers an immersive experience, covering various cultural and architectural highlights of the city. Priced at $173.69 per person, the 8.5-hour tour takes visitors to Butsugan-ji Temple, the Hill of The Buddha, the Sapporo TV Tower, and a sake tasting.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation, entry tickets, and lunch.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sun protection are recommended, as is respecting the cultural significance of the sites visited.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors explore Butsugan-ji Temple and witness the awe-inspiring 45-meter-long Buddha Nirvana statue.

They then venture to the Hill of The Buddha, home to a breathtaking 13.5-meter-tall Buddha statue.

Trekking through an arched tunnel, they reach the sacred cemetery adorned with Moai statues and a Stonehenge replica, seeing the spiritual ambiance.

Next, they ascend the Sapporo TV Tower, basking in panoramic city views.

The tour concludes with a sake tasting session at Yata Sake Stand Bar, where they learn about the diverse varieties of this traditional Japanese beverage.

Tour Experience

Participants start the tour at Sapporo Station, meeting their English-speaking guide at the circular white stone structure near the South Exits.

They travel by bus to Butsugan-ji Temple and then to the Hill of the Buddha. An arched tunnel leads them to the 13.5-meter-tall Buddha statue and a sacred cemetery with Moai statues and a Stonehenge replica.

After exploring the hill, they return to central Sapporo for a visit to the Sapporo TV Tower observation deck.

The tour concludes with a sake tasting and learning about the varieties at the Yata Sake Stand Bar.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation from Sapporo Station, entry tickets to all the attractions, a sake tasting, and lunch. However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Inclusions	Exclusions
English-speaking guide	Pregnant women
Transportation from Sapporo Station	Individuals with back problems
Entry tickets to attractions	Wheelchair users
Sake tasting
Lunch

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Important Information and Recommendations

The meeting point is in front of the circular white stone structure near the South Exits of Sapporo Station at 9 a.m.

Wear comfortable shoes to explore the sites. Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water to stay prepared.

Flash photography isn’t allowed, so respect the cultural significance of the locations.

Be ready for varying weather conditions throughout the tour. Smoking is prohibited.

Those who are pregnant, have back problems, or use wheelchairs should avoid this tour as it may not be suitable for them.

Follow the guide’s instructions to make the most of this Sapporo experience.

Explore Butsugan-ji Temple

The tour begins at the historic Butsugan-ji Temple, a Buddhist place of worship dating back to the 13th century.

Visitors will marvel at the temple’s impressive architecture, featuring intricately carved wooden beams and panels. The highlight is the 45-meter-long Buddha Nirvana statue, which depicts the Buddha in a state of enlightenment.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the temple grounds and learn about its rich history and cultural significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.

This visit sets the stage for the rest of the tour, immersing participants in Sapporo’s fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions.

Discover the Hill of The Buddha

Next, the tour group departs Butsugan-ji Temple and travels by bus to the stunning Hill of The Buddha.

They’ll walk through an arched tunnel to reach the 13.5-meter-tall Buddha statue and sacred cemetery.

Along the way, they’ll discover Moai statues and a Stonehenge replica, reminders of the spiritual significance of this place.

Visitors can stroll the serene grounds, take in the panoramic views, and feel a sense of peace and tranquility.

This will surely be a highlight of the tour, offering a chance to connect with Japan’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Experience Sake Tasting at Yata Sake Stand Bar

After returning to central Sapporo, the tour group concludes their experience by visiting the Yata Sake Stand Bar.

Here, they’ve the opportunity to:

1. Sample a variety of premium sake, learning about the different types, flavors, and production methods.

2. Engage with a knowledgeable sake sommelier, who provides insights into the rich history and cultural significance of sake in Japanese society.

3. Discover the nuances between junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo sake, and how each variety pairs with traditional Japanese cuisine.

4. Immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the sake bar, soaking in the convivial energy of the local hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour does not appear suitable for children. It mentions not being suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users, suggesting the tour may involve extensive walking or uneven terrain not ideal for young children.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks, but they are not included in the tour. The tour provides lunch, so you may not need to bring additional sustenance. Alcohol is also provided through the sake tasting.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Photography is allowed throughout the tour, except for the use of flash photography. Visitors are advised to respect the cultural significance of the sites and follow any additional guidelines provided by the tour guide.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary is fixed, and customization is not offered. However, guests can choose to spend more or less time at each attraction based on their interests. The tour guide will be flexible to accommodate reasonable requests within the tour duration.

Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?

The tour operator offers discounted group rates for parties of 4 or more. Plus, they provide a 10% discount for seniors and students with valid ID. Booking in advance can also help secure the best available pricing.

The Sum Up

The Sapporo tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s cultural and architectural highlights. Visitors can explore the serene Butsugan-ji Temple, admire the impressive Hill of The Buddha, ascend the Sapporo TV Tower, and enjoy a delightful sake tasting. With transportation, an English-speaking guide, and lunch included, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience to discover Sapporo’s rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: