During the Sapporo Autumn Fest (September 12–October 4, 2025), Odori Park will transform into a mile-long food festival. This local-focused guide covers the festival period, opening hours, venue blocks, recommended dining options, and stress-free tips, making it perfect for first-time visitors.

Autumn in Sapporo, like autumn in Hokkaido, feels unhurried. For three weeks, Odori Park is filled with tents and long tables, and the aromas are enough to make you want to change your plans. Sapporo Autumn Fest is a city tradition dedicated to Hokkaido’s cuisine. Enjoy the best of Hokkaido’s cuisine, from produce and seafood to ramen, sweets, and local sake, all within walking distance of the park. If you’re visiting between late September and early October, make sure to set aside some time in the evening to immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere.

Dates: September 12th to October 4th, 2025.
Welcome to Sapporo

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (last orders at 8:00 PM).
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Location: Odori Park, multiple blocks from 4th to 8th, 10th, and 11th Chome.

Scale: Approximately 1 km of booths, approximately 300 vendors, and over 2 million visitors. This is Sapporo’s largest food event.

If you’re just arriving: Odori Park is located close to Sapporo Station or Odori Subway Station. Signs and staff are friendly to visitors.

Features of Each Area (Helpful for Planning Your Route)

Take advantage of the park’s natural east-west flow and choose your preferred direction. The festival is divided into themed zones, allowing you to create your own route.

4-chome (Information Square): A great first stop for maps, announcements, and “Today’s New Arrivals.”

5-chome (BAKU BAKU PARK): Enjoy ramen, bread, and casual dishes showcasing the flavors of Hokkaido wheat.

6-chome: Food and a live music atmosphere.

7-chome (BAR): A tasting corner offering Hokkaido wine, sake, and cocktails. A wide selection of snacks is also available.

8-chome (Hokkaido Market): Seafood, produce, and local specialties all under one roof.

10-chome (Meat Tokichi-chome): Grilled beef, pork, and lamb dishes perfect for sharing.

11-chome (Precious Table): If you prefer a meal over a light snack, this is the place for you to sit down and enjoy a meal.

An easy route for first-time visitors: Start with directions in 4-chome → Snacks and ramen in 5-chome → Drinks in 7-chome → Main dish in 8-chome or 10-chome → Dessert or a relaxing finish in 11-chome. Keep an eye out for the daily specials. The daily specials and guest shops are also part of the fun.

Recommended Menus (and FOMO)

Soup and Noodles: Hokkaido-style miso ramen is served at several stalls, but don’t miss the regional specials like spicy miso, buttered corn, and seafood-focused rice bowls.

Seafood: Scallops and crab are the main focus. Watch for the smoke from the grill and the fast-moving lines.

Meat Corner: Jingisukan (grilled lamb) is hugely popular in 10-chome. Share a plate and keep walking.

Sweets: Soft serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk, fruit tarts, seasonal puddings, and more. Perfect for the crisp air.

Quick Tip: If the smells make you hungry, that’s the time. The best part of Autumn Fest is sampling seasonal produce from all over the island.

Crowd and Weather Strategies (for a Comfortable Night)

Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings through blue hour are the quietest. Weekend nights are lively and photogenic. Get there early to secure a seat before the lines get in the way.

Cash vs. Card: Payment is made at the stalls. Many stalls accept cards and mobile payments, but cash is faster.

Family Friendly: The park’s trails are flat and stroller-friendly. The entire walk is about 1 km long, so plan a turnaround point if you’re traveling with children.

House Rules: Obey posted signs regarding outdoor eating and drinking and smoking in designated areas. Garbage sorting is clearly marked, so just follow the locals and you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

One-Hour “Taste Test” Itinerary

Short window? Try this:

4th Street: Grab a map and quickly review today’s highlights.

5th Street: Split a small ramen shop and bakery.

7th Street: One glass of wine, one glass of sake, or one craft cocktail, followed by water.

8th Street: A seafood plate for the table.

10th or 11th Street: A meat sharing plate or a quiet sit-down finish.

Photography Etiquette

Tables under the trees are photogenic, especially just after sunset, when the tents glow. Clear the aisles, take long shots to avoid blocking the line, and use the edge of the park to get wide shots that include the TV tower and fountain. Odori hosts festivals throughout the year, giving Sapporo a shared backyard feel that’s part of its charm.

Quiet Time for Adults (Optional)

After the Sapporo Autumn Fest, some travelers may want to enjoy some private time. We recommend Sapporo escorts, Japan escorts, and outcalls.
Outcalls are just one way to end the night quietly. Sleeping early, soaking in a hot spring, or enjoying room service desserts are other unique ways to enjoy Hokkaido.