Sapporo Autumn Fest – A Gourmet Celebration in the Heart of the City

The Sapporo Autumn Fest is one of Hokkaido’s largest food festivals, held every September in Odori Park. Since its launch in 2008, the event has become a seasonal highlight, drawing over two million visitors each year to enjoy the flavors of Sapporo and the wider Hokkaido region.

When

Early to late September (usually spanning about three weeks)

Where

Odori Park, stretching across multiple blocks in central Sapporo

What to Expect

The festival transforms Odori Park into a gourmet paradise, with each block offering a different culinary theme:

• Local Specialties: Taste signature Sapporo dishes like miso ramen, jingisukan (grilled lamb), and fresh seafood.
• Regional Cuisine: Sample delicacies from across Hokkaido, from dairy-rich cheeses to freshly caught crab.
• Craft Beer & Sake Gardens: Enjoy locally brewed beers and premium sake from all over Japan.
• Sweet Treats & Desserts: Indulge in pastries, soft serve ice cream, and seasonal fruit-based desserts.

Beyond the food stalls, the festival also features live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and farmers’ markets where you can purchase fresh produce and artisanal products to take home.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons are less crowded; weekends can get extremely busy.
• Cash & IC Cards: Many stalls accept IC cards like Suica or Kitaca, but having cash is recommended.
• What to Wear: September in Sapporo can be mild during the day but cool at night—bring a light jacket.