Revolutionizing Tourism in Hokkaido: The Future of Daibutsuden with Japanticket Plus

Transforming Visitor Experience at Daibutsuden

Hokkaido's Daibutsuden, a popular tourist destination drawing around 280,000 visitors annually, is taking significant strides towards improving the visitor experience. On July 6, 2026, Japanticket Co., Ltd. launched the innovative reservation and payment system, Japanticket Plus, at this iconic site located in the Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo. This initiative aims to enhance the reception environment for tourists, making their visits smoother, more enjoyable, and more efficient.

Understanding Daibutsuden

Daibutsuden, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, is a unique worship space known for its remarkable architecture. Here, only the head of the Great Buddha can be seen from the lavender hills, creating a captivating sight that has become a hallmark for visitors both domestically and internationally via social media. The site plays a significant role in Hokkaido's cultural scene, attracting not only tourists but also visitors paying their respects, making it a staple attraction in the region.

Addressing Visitor Challenges

As inbound tourism to Japan has surged, Daibutsuden has encountered challenges, especially during peak seasons, such as long lines at ticket vending machines. Furthermore, as the cemetery is a resting place for many, balancing the needs of visitors seeking to explore and those coming for quiet reflection is essential. To tackle these challenges, the cemetery management has implemented Japanticket Plus to facilitate advance reservations and cashless payments, minimizing congestion and enhancing the peaceful atmosphere that the site offers.

The Benefits of Japanticket Plus

The newly introduced Japanticket Plus allows visitors to book tickets online easily through the facility's official website. It supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, allowing travelers to purchase tickets even before they arrive in Japan. On the visit day, they can simply present a QR code for entry, effectively eliminating language barriers and the hassle of queuing at vending machines.

Visit the reservation page here: Daibutsuden Reservation Page.

The implementation of this system is expected to alleviate the burden of long queues during the tourist season while also reducing administrative tasks related to ticketing. By utilizing booking and attendance data, the facility can eventually identify peak times and adjust operations accordingly. Additionally, plans are in place to gradually expand sales channels through major Overseas Travel Agencies (OTAs), making it even easier for international travelers to access the site.

The goal is to provide visitors with a hassle-free experience of 'easy booking and no lines' while enabling the facility to broaden its sales avenues, minimize crowding, and ensure a more manageable operational model. This balance preserves the value of the tourist destination while offering a comfortable experience for visitors.

For more details about Japanticket Plus, visit: Japanticket Plus.

About JapanTicket

JapanTicket operates as a Travel Tech company within the Japan Ticket Holdings group and is committed to bringing unique cultural experiences in Japan to travelers worldwide. By leveraging a network of domestic and international OTAs, they support the expansion of sales opportunities and streamline business operations for various service providers in tourism. Their mission focuses on connecting travelers with local culture and experiences while promoting sustainable growth for Japanese tourism.