Hokkaido Shrine & Otaru Highlights Day Tour from Sapporo

A large seated Buddha statue in a cave with a clear sky above. 1

By TOURSTORY

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
10h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Depart from Sapporo and journey to the awe-inspiring Hill of the Buddha, renowned for its majestic architectural beauty.

Next, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the historic Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park, which bursts with spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring.

After capturing sweet memories at the fairytale-like Shiroi Koibito Park, head to the classic and charming city of Otaru. Enjoy three generous hours of free time to explore at your own pace. Join your guide for an exclusive photo session at the vintage Former Temiya Railway Line, then wander along the scenic Otaru Canal, bustling Sakaimachi Street, or famous Sushi Street.

This special tour perfectly blends Hokkaido’s hidden scenic gems with Otaru's romantic atmosphere before returning comfortably to Sapporo in the evening.

Activity location

Hill of The Buddha
- 2 Takino, Minami-ku
- 005-0862, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Ōdōri Station
- 2 ２
- 060-0042, 札幌市, 北海道, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Depart from Odori Station

10h
English

Pick-Up Point: - Pick-up Location: Odori Station Exit31 (near by Kanamoto hall)

Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details
Starting point:
Ōdōri Station, Japan, 060-0042 北海道札幌市Chuo Ward, Ōdōrinishi, ２−２

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 09:30

Price details

€51.79 x 1 Adult€51.79

Total

Until Tue, 1 Sept

Depart from Sapporo Station

10h
English

Pick-Up Point: - Pick-up Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet

Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details
Starting point:
Public Toilet (Sapporo station North Exit), 3-chōme-12-2 Kita 7 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 09:50

Price details

€51.79 x 1 Adult€51.79

Total

Until Tue, 1 Sept

What's included, what's not

Transport
English & Korean Speaking Staff
Meals
Travellers Insurance
Other Personal Expenses
Admission Fee to Hill of the Buddha

Know before you book

- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transport options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In compliance with Japanese law, vehicles cannot operate for more than 10 hours. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary based on real-time conditions.
- The duration of stay and the order of visits at each spot may change flexibly depending on the season and local conditions (weather, traffic) on the day of the tour.
- As this is a group tour, the bus will depart on time without waiting for latecomers to respect the schedule of other guests. Please be punctual, as no refunds will be given for missed departures.
- Please note: As this is a group tour, there may be guests who speak other languages travelling with you. We appreciate your understanding.
- Many places in Japan still accept cash only, so please make sure to carry enough cash with you.
- In case of sudden road closures during the tour, alternative routes may be used, which could result in delays or skipping some sightseeing spots.
- Please note that partial admission fees apply to specific areas within Shiroi Koibito Park.
- In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
- This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Hill of The Buddha

30m
Admission ticket not included

[Admission is not included] The Hill of the Buddha is an awe-inspiring architectural marvel designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. The journey to the statue is a profound experience: after passing through a serene water garden and walking down a dimly lit, curved concrete tunnel, you emerge into a striking circular open-air space where the 13.5-meter-tall Buddha sits, bathed in natural sunlight. Surrounded by vibrant purple lavender in summer or pristine white snow in winter, it is a deeply moving and photogenic destination.

Moai Statue

Located at the entrance of the Makomanai Takino Cemetery—the same grounds housing the Hill of the Buddha—is an unexpected and visually striking sight: an imposing lineup of 33 giant Moai statues. They offer a completely different vibe depending on the season, standing boldly against bright green grass in the summer, and charmingly wearing "hats" of thick, pure white snow during the winter months.

Hokkaido Jingu

Nestled within a vast, serene forest of ancient cedar and elm trees in Maruyama Park, the shrine offers a profound sense of peace and a striking contrast to the bustling city of Sapporo just outside its gates. Offering a deep dive into authentic Japanese culture and history, Hokkaido Shrine is the undeniable crown jewel and the most elegant highlight of this tour.

Maruyama Park

It is Sapporo's most beloved spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, boasting over 1,500 cherry and plum trees. The park transforms beautifully throughout the year, offering vibrant autumn foliage and a serene, snow-covered wonderland in the winter.

Shiroi Koibito Park

A fairytale-like theme park dedicated to Hokkaido's famous white chocolate cookies. It is the perfect place to capture sweet memories and photos.

Former Japanese National Railways, Temiya line

[Optional] A vintage, abandoned railway line perfect for photography. You can opt to join your guide here right as free time begins for a dedicated photo session.

Otaru Sakaimachi Street

1h 30m

[Optional] Once the bustling centre of Hokkaido's trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sakaimachi Street has been beautifully preserved and transformed into Otaru’s most romantic walking path. It is also a true paradise for dessert lovers, home to the flagship stores of Hokkaido's top confectionery brands like LeTAO, Kitakaro, and Rokkatei. Enjoying world-class sweets while browsing unique souvenirs makes this historic street the absolute highlight of any Otaru visit.

Otaru Canal

[Optional] A picturesque and iconic canal offering scenic views of historic stone warehouses that look beautiful during the day or illuminated at dusk.

Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street

[Optional] As a historic port city, Otaru is nationally renowned for having some of the freshest and most delicious sushi in Japan, famously inspiring the popular manga Shota no Sushi

Location

Activity location

Hill of The Buddha
- 2 Takino, Minami-ku
- 005-0862, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

Ōdōri Station
- 2 ２
- 060-0042, 札幌市, 北海道, Japan
Public Toilet (Sapporo station North Exit)
- 12-2 3-chōme
- 060-0807, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

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