Review: Sapporo Buddha Hill, TV Tower & Sake Adventure

Alright, so you’re thinking about checking out the Sapporo Buddha Hill, TV Tower, and hitting up a sake place after? Well, let me tell you about it. I took the tour, so I’m gonna give you the lowdown on my whole day. No holds barred. I’m trying to give you an idea of what’s it’s actually like and what to think about before you plan your own outing. It’s got striking statues, panoramic views, and, I mean, who doesn’t appreciate quality sake?

First stop: The Sapporo Buddha Hill

The Buddha Hill is that a destination that I think really stays with you, you know? That huge Buddha head poking out of the lavender field. I have to tell you that pictures just don’t do it justice. You go through this tunnel that they call the “approach,” which very builds up the suspense. The whole thing, almost, feels really spiritual, actually. And then, wham! This ginormous Buddha appears. So it’s like, your breath is very likely to be taken away, I guess.

It’s more than just the giant Buddha, too it’s almost the peaceful vibe. Walking all around the hill gives you space to just reflect. You find locals making offerings and people just chilling. I think it’s very clear that the place makes everyone calm, so maybe leave any loud friends at the hotel. Give yourself time to walk, maybe sit down for a bit, and just breathe that is very important. Seriously, it is very tempting to take loads of photos, still put your phone down a little.

One slight heads-up that you might like is that if you go in the off-season (I visited in late spring) the lavender is that unlikely to be blooming. That didn’t make it bad, not really, but all the Instagram pictures give the lavender such a boost. Check when the flowers usually bloom. I think this trip is more magical if there are purple colors everywhere, at least a bit!

Taking in the Views at the Sapporo TV Tower

After getting that spiritual moment, then, it was up to the Sapporo TV Tower. You’re right in Odori Park, too that is really smack-bang in the city. I do love a viewing platform, almost. Get a complete panoramic view is very satisfying after a trip out to the peace and quiet, you know?

The view really extends in every direction from the tower, so that makes sure you can spot every local landmark, almost. Look way down into Odori Park and find your way around. There’s almost this cool historical display thing showing old pictures of the tower, that is there, too. I think that is great if you want to take a breather and feel more informed.

The observation deck might just get busy during peak season or, like, a special event. If you want space, I think you may have to go early. Check for clear days, if possible. When it is hazy it affects the distance you see, it’s almost as if that is just obvious, isn’t it?

Finding Sake at a Sake Stand Bar

A Sake bar might be the right type of place to finish the tour, actually. After the Buddha and those views, what better way to come back to planet earth? You could enjoy Japan, through it’s traditional rice wine drink that. Some folks might prefer to choose some places with Sake that are really expensive with great selections. I might try going somewhere pretty casual for a good price, too, you get the chance. I am keen on trying different brands, and getting some advice is helpful.

Sake, like that is Japanese rice wine, can often be misunderstood. Most folks almost always just have the one kind. The good thing about visiting Japan is that they care much more, very. Take the time to understand what they offer and what type of food you have with the rice wine. I felt that Sake really can make a trip complete when combined with a local eating place.

Drinking in responsible measures, might just get you a trip where the flavor really stands out. With a very clear mind, you almost taste different types that you didn’t imagine existed. And very importantly, that you shouldn’t break anything while travelling that could be useful in not getting into arguments.

What to think about with Tour Options

Okay, so there is, often, are several ways that you could approach this trip. Join a tour? Do the trip independently? Those are pretty big questions. I, kind of, tend to suggest doing tours if you don’t read Japanese. Trying to read the directions isn’t worth your holiday hours when you don’t speak their language! Tours may well involve transportation that’s very useful when you are not trying to operate a car!

I often suggest checking exactly what is included, too. See whether entry fees are involved. Figure out, clearly, about transport to make an effective cost calculation. I’ve also gone on tours that include lunches, so I felt that that removed an item off my agenda when abroad.

Getting To and Around

It may be easy to access those locations using Sapporo’s public transportation infrastructure. Using a train or bus isn’t always obvious. I might tell you to be prepared and download applications such as Google maps for ease of getting to locations.

Another thing that I found worked, that I might point out, actually, is renting an electronic transport device. E-bikes or scooters are popular and can be a fun and quick means of transportation . But that is after taking into consideration safe routes. Otherwise local Sapporo transport infrastructure is usually sufficient, even a little reliable, very.

For getting about it’s a plan to also think of a transport IC card ,like your Suica or Pasmo when not riding local trains often. This type of pass makes things straightforward ,too it can be swiped to enter payment areas and is super for quick public travel trips.