[Sapporo | The Most Healing Half-Day in Winter] Hokkaido Shrine Snow Entrance + Shrine Tea House Matcha + Morihiko Coffee House, Little Joys of Winter.

A perfect half-day itinerary for a peaceful winter in Sapporo: a snow-covered shrine + a hidden teahouse + a century-old café, all with zero crowds! Here's how to go (all on foot + incredibly relaxing in the snow): 1. Hokkaido Shrine (15-minute walk from Maruyama Park Station): The approach to the shrine is completely deserted in the early morning, with torii gates and lanterns covered in snow – breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoy drawing fortune slips, ringing the bell, and drinking hot amazake (sweet sake). 2. Shrine Teahouse (located within the shrine grounds! Many people don't know this). A 5-minute walk from the approach to the third torii gate reveals a stunning wooden teahouse hidden in the woods! I ordered a matcha and handmade wagashi (850 yen). Sitting on the tatami mats watching the snow fall in the courtyard, the silence was so profound you could only hear your own heartbeat. The winter-limited "Snow Viewing Matcha" is highly recommended! 3. Leaving the shrine, a 12-minute walk will take you to SHIRO Morihiko Cafe (former Hokkaido Prefectural Government Residence). This century-old red-brick house features a fireplace and lava chocolate cake, and snow is falling outside the window, continuing the dreamy atmosphere of the teahouse. You'll find yourself mesmerized and reluctant to leave. Tips: ・Arrive at the shrine at 8:30 AM for the most tranquil atmosphere. ・The shrine teahouse opens at 10:00 AM, but it gets a little crowded after 11:00 AM. ・Morihiko Cafe opens at 11:00 AM; it's recommended to arrive before 11:15 AM to avoid the queue. ・The three locations are in a straight line, all downhill, making it easy to walk even in snowy weather. ・Total cost: Tea house 850 yen + Morihiko coffee approximately 1200 yen = a top-notch experience for under 2000 yen. It was already dark when I left Morihiko, the snow was still falling, and the lights in the old house were gradually coming on. That day, I tasted the winter of Sapporo. #Hokkaido #Sapporo #HokkaidoJingu #JinguTeaHouse #MorihikoCoffee #SHIROMorihiko #SapporoCoffeeShop #HokkaidoWinter #SnowyHokkaido #Matcha #JapaneseTeaRoom #SapporoHiddenGems #HokkaidoMustVisit #SoloTravel #ArtsyTravel