Jozankei Onsen Resort Spa Mori no Uta & Hill of the Buddha & Hoheikyo Valley Maple Viewing Day Tour

Must Do Experiences

• Walk through the serene tunnel to reveal the awe-inspiring 13.5-metre Buddha head at the Hill of the Buddha.

• Soak your cares away in the lush, forest-surrounded hot springs at Jozankei Onsen Resort Spa Mori no Uta.

• Stroll along the vibrant autumn trails of Hoheikyo Valley to witness the spectacular crimson and gold maple foliage.

• Enjoy the sprawling floral landscapes and seasonal blooms at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park.

Hidden Gems

• The Hill of the Buddha features a stunning underground shrine where the Buddha's head is illuminated by natural light filtering through the ceiling.

• Hoheikyo Valley offers a lesser-known riverside walking path that provides perfect, uncrowded reflections of the autumn leaves on the water.

• Takino Suzuran Hillside Park hides a beautiful waterfall area that is especially picturesque during the peak fall foliage season.

What Makes it Special

• Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, the Hill of the Buddha offers a unique blend of modern minimalist architecture and profound spiritual serenity.

• The tour perfectly balances cultural exploration, natural autumn foliage viewing, and traditional Japanese onsen relaxation in a single day.

• Enjoy a hassle-free experience with all transportation, attraction tickets, a delicious lunch, and even child safety seats included.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The absolute best time to take this tour is from mid to late October when the Hoheikyo Valley maple leaves reach their peak crimson and gold vibrancy. Morning departures offer the best lighting for photography at the Hill of the Buddha, while afternoons are perfect for soaking in the onsen as the autumn air turns crisp.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the dramatic reveal of the Buddha's head from the end of the underground tunnel, using the contrast of the concrete architecture and natural light.

• At Hoheikyo Valley, use a polarizing filter to cut glare and enhance the rich reds and yellows of the maple leaves reflecting in the river.

• Take wide-angle shots at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park to capture the vastness of the seasonal floral carpets against the rolling hills.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the Hill of the Buddha, maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour as it is an active place of worship and reflection. At the Jozankei Onsen, remember to wash your body thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the communal hot spring baths, and keep small towels out of the water.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Sapporo Autumn Fest usually takes place in September and October, celebrating Hokkaido's harvest with local food and drinks in the city before or after your tour.

• Jozankei Onsen hosts autumn foliage illumination events in October, which beautifully light up the valley's crimson leaves after dusk.

• Takino Suzuran Hillside Park features special autumn harvest festivals, offering unique seasonal photo opportunities and local craft markets.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• The walking paths in Hoheikyo Valley can become slippery with fallen leaves or morning dew, so watch your step and use handrails where available.

• When enjoying the hot springs at Jozankei Onsen, stay hydrated and limit your soaking time to 15 minutes per session to avoid dizziness or overheating.

• Keep a close eye on children at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, as the expansive grounds and water features require careful supervision.