Every September, Odori Park fills with the smells of grilling seafood, sizzling meat and fresh produce for the Sapporo Autumn Fest (Sapporo Autumn Festival) — a glorious celebration of Hokkaido’s harvest and one of Japan’s great food events. For several weeks, the park’s blocks become themed gourmet zones showcasing the bounty of the island: crab and scallops, ramen, jingisukan, soup curry, dairy, sweets, sake and local wine, region by region. With long tables, autumn weather and the whole island’s cuisine in one place, it’s a food lover’s dream and a delicious way to round off summer.

This guide covers the festival, what to eat, the dates and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
When September (several weeks)
Where Odori Park, central Sapporo
Theme Hokkaido harvest & regional gourmet
Admission Free (pay per dish/drink)
Good for Foodies, families, autumn travel

The festival

  • Odori Park’s blocks host themed food zones — different Hokkaido regions, seafood, ramen, meat, sweets, and a wine/sake garden.
  • Sample the whole island’s specialities in one place: crab, scallops, jingisukan, soup curry, dairy and more — see our Hokkaido seafood guide .
  • Long communal tables and a relaxed, festive atmosphere under crisp autumn skies.

What to eat

  • Seafood: grilled scallops, crab, oysters, salmon and ikura.
  • Hearty plates: jingisukan, ramen, soup curry — see our jingisukan guide and soup curry guide .
  • Sweets & drinks: Hokkaido dairy treats, local wine and sake — see our dairy guide .

Dates & tips

  • Runs for several weeks in September — check the year’s exact dates.
  • Go hungry and bring cash; pace yourself across the zones.
  • Evenings are lively; come early on weekends for popular stalls.

Combine your visit

The festival is a perfect autumn city base:

How to get there

  • It’s all in Odori Park (Odori subway station), central and walkable.
  • From New Chitose Airport, ~40 min by JR to Sapporo Station.