08:50 | Depart from Sapporo Station
10:00 | The Hill of the Buddha
The Hill of the Buddha (Atama Daibutsu), a masterpiece of modern architecture and landscape design, is the landmark of the Makomanai Takino Cemetery. A 13.5-metre-tall stone Buddha statue is concealed by a man-made earth mound here, leaving only the very top of the statue's head visible from afar. The surrounding hill is covered in over 150,000 lavender plants which transform completely with the seasons: carpeted in fresh green in spring, exploding into a vibrant sea of purple in July, and blanketed in pristine white snow during the Hokkaido winter.
11:40 | Jozankei
Jozankei is a historic hot-spring resort town affectionately known as “Sapporo’s Backyard Kitchen.” Founded in 1866 by a Buddhist monk named Jozan, this mountain getaway is built over an active geothermal belt that feeds dozens of traditional ryokans (Japanese inns). Its primary draw is its natural sodium chloride springs, which feature clear, slightly salty mineral waters. For day-trippers, free footbaths are located throughout the town's walking paths, providing a quick way to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
14:00 | Otaru
The Otaru Canal is one of the most famous scenic landmarks in Hokkaido. Completed in 1923, this historic waterway played a vital role in the development of Hokkaido by enabling small boats to transfer cargo directly from large ships to seaside warehouses. Today, the beautifully preserved stone warehouses have been converted into restaurants, breweries, and museums, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. For instance, 63 traditional gas lamps line the canal.
17:40 | Shiroi Koibito Park
A sweet-themed park centred around Hokkaido's most famous edible souvenir: the Shiroi Koibito biscuit. With its enchanting architecture, European-style gardens and tempting selection of desserts, it is one of Sapporo's most popular attractions for families, couples and anyone with a sweet tooth. Apart from buying biscuits, it is also a great place to take photos.
17:45 (Tentative) | Return to Sapporo
