Sapporo in Autumn: Top 7 Spots for Fall Foliage, Hot Springs & Seasonal Cuisine
Sapporo is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. As the central hub of Hokkaido, Sapporo combines urban atmosphere with natural beauty. It's also known as one of Japan's premier gourmet cities, with fresh seafood and various local specialties being particularly attractive features.
While Hokkaido can be enjoyed in any season, autumn in Hokkaido is especially recommended as it's comfortable without lingering summer heat. This time, we'll introduce gourmet food, activities, and spectacular scenery that can only be enjoyed during Sapporo's autumn. Please enjoy the charm-filled autumn Sapporo to the fullest!
Climate and Recommended Clothing for Autumn Sapporo
Autumn Sapporo is a comfortable period, but it's characterized by having the year's largest daily temperature variations. Here we introduce the climate characteristics and recommended clothing for September, October, and November.
September Climate Characteristics:
- Average temperature around 20°C
- Pleasant autumn breezes can be felt on sunny days
- Slightly cool from evening to night
Recommended Clothing:
- Short-sleeve T-shirts and long pants
- Light outerwear like shirts or cardigans
October Climate Characteristics:
- Average temperature around 15°C
- Large temperature variations between early/late month and day/night
- Nighttime temperatures can drop below 10°C
- Rain tends to fall frequently
Recommended Clothing:
- Early month → Long-sleeve T-shirts, jackets and other outerwear
- Late month → Knitwear or thick sweatshirts, coats and other outerwear
- Scarves and gloves for outdoor sightseeing
November Climate Characteristics:
- Average temperature around 6°C
- Sudden increased cold with winter approaching
- Sleet and snow may fall, though not enough to accumulate
Recommended Clothing:
- Knitwear or thick sweatshirts
- Heavy coats or jackets
- Scarves and gloves
- Waterproof shoes (for sleet and snow protection)
Autumn Sapporo Highlights
Autumn Sapporo has many attractions that can only be enjoyed during this season. Here I've picked out the particularly appealing aspects of Sapporo autumn that I especially recommend. If you're unsure about travel timing, please use this as reference.
Beautiful Streetscapes Colored by Fall Foliage
In Sapporo, autumn leaves reach their peak from mid-October to early November. The beautiful streetscapes dyed in colorful autumn foliage are one of autumn Sapporo's main attractions.
Odori Park, located in the center of Sapporo city, is also popular as a famous autumn foliage spot. The collaboration between urban landscapes with towering high-rises and autumn leaves truly represents Sapporo's autumn scenery. My recommendation is the West 2-chome area where you can take photos with TV Tower in the background.
At Hokkaido University, a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, 70 ginkgo trees line an 80-meter tree-lined path, creating a beautiful golden tunnel.
Exquisite Hokkaido Cuisine That Becomes Even More Delicious in Autumn
Savoring autumn-exclusive Hokkaido gourmet food is one of the joys. When it comes to Sapporo, fresh seafood is essential. Autumn salmon, shishamo smelt, and salmon roe are said to be most delicious during this period before winter arrives. My favorite is "Hokkai Shrimp" caught in eastern Hokkaido. The concentrated umami and sweetness of the firm flesh and shrimp miso are exquisite.
Autumn vegetables like potatoes and pumpkins, and venison meat that accumulates nutrition for winter are also autumn gourmet foods you'll want to eat during this season.
At "Sapporo Autumn Fest" held in Odori Park, Hokkaido's autumn flavors gather together. Please definitely visit!
Numerous Attractive Events Enjoyed in Beautiful Weather
Japan has expressions like "autumn of appetite," "autumn of sports," and "autumn of arts," and various events are held based on these themes. In Sapporo autumn without lingering summer heat, outdoor events are also abundant.
Starting with "Sapporo Autumn Fest," Moerenuma Park hosts fireworks displays fused with art. Please enjoy dynamic fireworks while feeling the autumn night breeze.
The "Sapporo Marathon," which uses beautiful Sapporo's city center as its course, is a popular sports event among citizens.
Markets featuring local agricultural products and handmade goods from local shops are also recommended!
Author's Carefully Selected! 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Autumn Sapporo
Here we introduce the must-visit tourist spots in autumn Sapporo. Focusing on places where you can enjoy autumn foliage, we have carefully selected 10 spots where you can fully experience Hokkaido during this special season.
Please use this as a reference when planning your trip.
Nakajima Park
"Nakajima Park" is a place where you can enjoy abundant nature while being in the center of Sapporo. Also called an "oasis in the city," you can enjoy beautiful scenery that changes with each season.
It's also popular as a famous autumn foliage spot, where colorful ginkgo trees paint the entire park in golden hues. The pond in the middle of the park offers boat rides from April to October, so I recommend leisurely viewing the autumn foliage from the water.
The Japanese garden within the grounds has a tea house designated as a National Important Cultural Property. While you cannot enter inside, please enjoy the exterior that exudes Japanese elegance.
- Address: 1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Management Office)
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 011-511-3924
- Official Website: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/?page_id=8032
Odori Park
"Odori Park," located close to Sapporo Station, is a popular park representing Sapporo. It stretches approximately 1.5km from end to end and takes about 30 minutes to walk through.
The park features vibrant green lawns and is divided into various areas including the History Zone, Play Zone, and Exchange Zone. My recommendation is the Oasis Zone, which focuses on water and light. You can enjoy fountain shows and nighttime illuminations.
Odori Park hosts many big seasonal events throughout the year, including the winter Snow Festival, so be sure to check them out!
- Address: Odori Park West 7-chome, Sapporo (Information Center)
- Closed: January 1-3
- Phone: 011-251-0438
- Official Website: https://odori-park.jp/en/
Sapporo Clock Tower
Built in 1878, the Sapporo Clock Tower is a classic tourist spot that can be called a landmark of Sapporo. It features a retro appearance with a red triangular roof and white walls, and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
A notable point is that the pendulum clock manufactured by America's Howard Company over 140 years ago is still operating today.
The chime that rings leisurely with lingering resonance every hour on the hour has become a heartwarming sound for Sapporo citizens.
The gift shop sells various original goods, perfect for souvenirs. Try to find your favorite items that you can only buy here!
- Address: North 1 West 2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 8:45-17:10
- Closed: January 1-3
- Phone: 011-231-0838
- Official Website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/english/
Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building (former main building)
The "Hokkaido Prefectural Government" located just near Sapporo Station is affectionately called the "Red Brick Building" by citizens. Built in American Neo-Baroque style, its retro appearance blends beautifully with Sapporo's streetscape and is guaranteed to be photogenic.
You can feel a world-like atmosphere as if stepping out from a movie set, enjoying seasonal views of spring cherry blossoms, summer lilacs, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenes!
This building, originally constructed in 1888, underwent renovation work in 2025 and was scheduled to reopen on July 25th.
Mt. Moiwa
"Mt. Moiwa," with an elevation of 532m, is located approximately in the center of Sapporo city. It offers five moderate hiking courses starting from a minimum of 2.4km, with the attractive feature of easily reaching the summit by cable car and ropeway.
The highlight is the panoramic view of Sapporo city and magnificent nature, with the night view featuring jewel-box-like illuminations being particularly moving scenery. Because the moon can be seen beautifully, it's also certified as a "Japan's 100 Best Moon" viewing spot.
My recommendation is the creative French restaurant at the summit. It's famous for being at the highest location in Sapporo, where you can enjoy dining while viewing the sparkling night scenery!
【Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Management Office】
- Address: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 10:30-22:00
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 011-561-8177
- Official Website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/en/
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park, about 20 minutes by car from Sapporo, reaches its autumn foliage peak around mid-October. The park, decorated with maple and Japanese maple trees, looks like a painting no matter where you capture it.
After the peak passes, a carpet of fallen leaves gradually spreads, offering a different kind of beauty. In the natural monument Maruyama Primeval Forest, you can also enjoy bird watching. There are playground equipment, so small children will be thoroughly satisfied.
There are many stylish cafes in the surrounding area. My favorite is taking out food from cafes and eating in the park while viewing the autumn foliage. Please fully experience Sapporo autumn at Maruyama Park!
- Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Phone reception)
- Phone: 011-621-0453
- Official Website: https://maruyamapark.jp/en/
For Beautiful Autumn Foliage Around Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen Area is Also Recommended
When it comes to Sapporo autumn, Jozankei Onsen is absolutely unmissable. Located about an hour's drive from Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is one of Hokkaido's three major hot springs.
The mountains surrounding the hot spring town are also known as famous autumn foliage spots. The dynamic scale of colorful autumn leaves stretching as far as the eye can see offers overwhelming beauty.
My recommendation is the "Futami Suspension Bridge," which is also a symbol of Jozankei. The bright red suspension bridge beautifully merges with the valley's autumn foliage, and you can also enjoy the vivid reflection of trees on the water surface.
Strolling through the hot spring town while viewing autumn foliage and trying local foods is another way to enjoy this season. Stone-oven baked bread and gelato made with Hokkaido fruits are my personal favorites.
Please definitely visit Jozankei in autumn when it's colored with beautiful foliage!
Jozankei Tourism Association
- Address: 3 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo
- Phone: 011-598-2012
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/en/
If You Visit Sapporo in Autumn, Enjoy Exquisite Food with Local Guides
In Sapporo, where delicious autumn flavors gather, you might be overwhelmed by food choices. In such cases, why not join a food tour where knowledgeable Sapporo guides take you to three carefully selected restaurants?
At izakayas (Japanese pubs) carefully chosen by guides, you can savor seasonal gourmet dishes unique to this time of year, such as fresh seafood that reaches its peak in autumn and tempura made with autumn vegetables. Of course, you'll find popular izakaya staples like karaage (fried chicken) and yakitori that foreigners love, but please also try ingredients you've never seen before. The guides will teach you the most delicious ways to eat them!
For the 2nd and 3rd restaurants, you'll choose places that match your preferences together with your guide.
This tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy exquisite gourmet food known only to locals and experience the local atmosphere.
Meeting Point: Susukino Station
Tour Area: Izakayas around Susukino
Start Time: 18:00
Seasonal Exquisite Foods You Must Try During Sapporo Autumn
Here we introduce seasonal flavors you absolutely must try during Sapporo autumn. Enjoy precious tastes of seafood and vegetables that can only be eaten during this time.
There are many limited-time menus featuring autumn ingredients, so please try them when you see them!
Autumn Salmon
October is said to be when autumn salmon is particularly delicious. Salmon returning to their birthplace for spawning develop firm flesh from swimming against river currents.
Autumn salmon during this period has less fat and offers a refreshing taste. It's easy to use in any cuisine and can be enjoyed in a refreshing and healthy way when prepared as meunière or fried dishes.
My recommendation is "Ishikari Nabe," a local dish where autumn salmon and vegetables are simmered in miso soup. The exquisite soup infused with autumn salmon's umami warms the body and is perfect for the chilly nights of Sapporo autumn. There are specialty restaurants for Ishikari Nabe, so please visit them!
Ikura
As autumn salmon reaches its peak, ikura also enters its delicious period from late September to mid-October.
Hokkaido ikura is characterized by large grains, and during this period, the particularly soft skin bursts with a pop, allowing you to enjoy rich umami.
It's excellent not only as sushi topping but also when placed generously on freshly cooked rice.
My recommended way to eat it is making Japanese-style pasta using autumn salmon and ikura as ingredients. This luxurious pasta unique to this season makes you feel the arrival of autumn.
There are many restaurants in Sapporo city where you can taste seasonal ikura prepared in various ways, so please enjoy exploring them!
Sanma
Sanma is also one of the representative foods of Japanese autumn. Hokkaido sanma during this period is rich in fat and high in nutritional value with abundant vitamins.
Sanma, which has become established as home cooking, is popularly prepared as salt-grilled fish. The aromatic smell of high-heat grilling stimulates the appetite. For Japanese people, it's a seasonal dish that evokes the feeling of "autumn."
My recommendation is sanma sashimi. Please enjoy the exquisite taste that can only be appreciated with fresh, seasonal fish.
In Hokkaido, simmering is also standard. When slowly simmered with various seasonings like soy sauce, miso, and ginger, the bones become soft, allowing you to enjoy the whole sanma.
To Enjoy Seafood in Sapporo, Visit Nijo Market
"Nijo Market" is a popular market where fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, sweets, processed marine products, sake, and more are all gathered together. This market, which has long supported citizens' dietary life, has become a standard Sapporo sightseeing spot.
From early morning, the market resonates with the vigorous voices of buying and selling, overflowing with vitality. Shopping while asking store clerks for recommendations is also one of the pleasures.
There are many restaurants where you can eat seasonal seafood on the spot. Getting up early and going to Nijo Market for breakfast is my favorite way to spend time during Sapporo travel. Please visit!
- Address: 1-4 Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (Office)
- Business Hours: Varies by store
- Closed: Varies by store
- Phone: 011-222-5308
- Official Website: https://nijomarket.com/en/top_en/
Autumn Vegetables
During Hokkaido autumn, various vegetables blessed by nature reach their peak season. Vegetables harvested during their peak season are attractive for their rich flavor and high nutritional value. Additionally, vegetables harvested during this cooling period are expected to have effects of warming the body and boosting immunity.
Hokkaido Autumn Vegetables:
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Onions
- Green onions
- Lily bulbs
Potatoes are so rich in vitamin C that they're called "apples of the earth." "Jaga Butter," steamed potatoes topped with butter, is known as a Hokkaido specialty dish. Potage made with autumn vegetables like pumpkin and onions is also delicious.
Soup Curry is Recommended
To fully enjoy the deliciousness of Hokkaido autumn vegetables, "soup curry" is recommended.
"Soup Curry," originating from Hokkaido, is a specialty gourmet dish consisting of light curry-flavored soup with meat and vegetables. Since each ingredient is cut into large pieces, you can directly feel the umami and texture of autumn vegetables.
It's commonly eaten by dipping rice scooped with a spoon into the soup or pouring soup over rice.
There are many restaurants in Sapporo city where you can eat soup curry, and each store has original menus they take pride in. How about savoring seasonal autumn vegetables with soup curry?
Sapporo Autumn's Top 3 Recommended Restaurants for Exquisite Food
Here, I'll introduce my favorite restaurants where you can fully enjoy Sapporo autumn gourmet. I've carefully selected 3 establishments where you can savor Ishikari Nabe, soup curry, and seafood.
Oga (Ishikari Nabe)
Source:Official website
"Oga" is a Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy Hokkaido specialties. In the relaxing interior with all seats in completely private rooms, you can taste Hokkaido autumn flavors in various variations.
My recommendation is the exquisite Ishikari Nabe made with original blended miso. You can enjoy autumn salmon and autumn vegetables that can only be eaten during this season.
In the Ishikari Nabe course, you can also enjoy dishes unique to Hokkaido autumn, such as seasonal sashimi and Ezo deer fillet steak, so please try ordering them.
This is a recommended restaurant for people who want to enjoy Hokkaido autumn specialties in Japanese cuisine.
- Address: Sun Three Building 8F/9F, 3-1 Minami Sanjo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 17:00~23:00 (LO 22:00)
- Regular Holiday: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 011-242-3328
- Official Homepage: https://oga-sapporo.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oga_sapporo/
SOUP CURRY GARAKU
Source:Tabelog
If you want to eat authentic soup curry, "SOUP CURRY GARAKU" is recommended. The flavorful soup that fuses Japanese-style dashi and secret spices is so delicious you'll want to eat it again and again.
They're particular about the rice that goes with the curry, blending rice and five-grain rice directly sourced from contracted farmers in Hokkaido.
What I always order is "Tender Chicken Leg and Vegetables." It's boldly topped with juicy bone-in chicken leg and seasonal vegetables, allowing you to savor the umami of meat and vegetables.
Please enjoy it with the refreshing homemade lassi that pairs well with soup curry!
- Address: Okumura Building B1F North Entrance, 2-6-1 Minami Nijo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: 11:00~15:30 (LO 15:00) / 17:00~21:00 (LO 20:30)
- Regular Holiday: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 011-233-5568
- Official Homepage: https://s-garaku.com/shop-garaku/
Nijo Ichiba OHISO
Source:Official website
"OHISO," which has 3 stores within Nijo Market, is a specialty shop for "seafood bowls" where you eat various seafood over rice in a bowl. The seafood bowls with about 30 menu items are visually gorgeous and appetite-stimulating.
The popular menu item "OHISO Don" has the attractive point of spectacular seafood overflowing from the bowl. You can also add your favorite ingredients as toppings, so please enjoy your own unique seafood bowl.
My favorite is the Ezo purple sea urchin with concentrated rich umami. It's this shop's signature menu item, so please try it at least once!
- Address: 3-2 Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Business Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30~15:30 (L.O. 15:00) / 17:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:30) / Sun/Holidays 7:30~16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
- Regular Holiday: Wednesday
- Phone Number: 011-219-5252
- Official Homepage: https://ohiso.jp/en/
Introducing Monthly Autumn Events You Can Enjoy in Sapporo
Sapporo autumn offers an abundance of exciting events to enjoy. Here we've picked out recommended events held from September to November. There are plenty of events where you can experience the essence of Sapporo autumn!
Must-See September Events in Sapporo
September hosts large-scale gourmet events that represent Sapporo autumn, as well as events where you can feel the "autumn of arts."
September Events:
- Sapporo Autumn Fest
- Moerenuma Park "Hokkaido Art Fireworks"
- "Railway Day" Memorial Event
- National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park "Stargazing Event"
The "Sapporo Autumn Fest" held at Odori Park is a gourmet event where famous local products and specialty dishes from all over Hokkaido gather together. It's recommended for those who want to fully enjoy various autumn flavors of Hokkaido during their Sapporo autumn experience.
The "Hokkaido Art Fireworks" held at Moerenuma Park is an event where you can enjoy artistic fireworks that overturn conventional concepts. The program synchronized with music is called "sculpture in the night sky" and captivates audiences with breathtaking beauty. Please enjoy this one-night-only show launched into Sapporo's vast sky!
[Sapporo Autumn Fest]
Date: September 12 - October 4, 2025
Location: Odori Park
Official Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/autumnfest/
[Hokkaido Art Fireworks]
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: Moerenuma Park
Official Website: https://www.moere.jp/
[Railway Day Memorial Event]
Date: Late September 2025
Location: TBD
[Stargazing Event]
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
Official Website: https://www.takinopark.com/%E3%82%A4%E3%83%99%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88/hoshizorakansatsukai/
Must-See October Events in Sapporo
October features events celebrating "autumn of sports" and others where you can fully enjoy the autumn foliage at its peak during Sapporo autumn!
October Events:
- Sapporo Marathon
- Sapporo International Short Film Festival
- Jozankei "Autumn Foliage Kappa Bus"
The "Sapporo Marathon" is a marathon race with a course through the beautiful streets of Sapporo colored with autumn foliage. In the first half, you can enjoy the marathon while viewing Sapporo's tourist attractions like Odori Park and Susukino, and in the latter half, you can feel nature along riverbanks and parks. Foreign visitors can also enter, so if you're interested, check the official website! The entry period is until July 19th.
(Sapporo Marathon Official Website: https://runjapan.jp/entry/runtes/smp/competitiondetail.do?raceId=E334568&div=1)
The "Autumn Foliage Kappa Bus," operating for a limited period during October, is a bus tour that visits scenic autumn foliage spots in the Jozankei area. It features many attractions beyond autumn foliage, such as observation decks and wineries, making it popular among foreign tourists during Sapporo autumn.
[Sapporo Marathon]
Date: October 5, 2025
Location: Sapporo City
Official Website: https://satumara.sapporo-sport.jp/
[Sapporo International Short Film Festival]
Date: October 10-13, 2025
Location: Satsugeki theater
Official Website: https://sapporoshortfest.jp/index-en/
[Autumn Foliage Kappa Bus]
Operating Period: October 1-21, 2025
Location: Jozankei Area
Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/godaikoyo/
Must-See November Events in Sapporo
November in Sapporo features art-focused events and events where you can feel the hint of winter approaching, marking the later stages of Sapporo autumn.
November Events:
- Sapporo Art Stage
- Nakajima Park Illumination Event
- Sapporo White Illumination (from late November)
The "Sapporo Art Stage," held for about one month from early November, is an event where the entire city of Sapporo is colored with art. The underground passages of Sapporo Station become an "Art Street" where various artists' works are displayed. There are also live performances where elementary and junior high school students from the city perform brass band music, making it an attractive event where you can enjoy various genres of art during Sapporo autumn.
My recommendation is the "Sapporo White Illumination" that begins in late November. At Odori Park, you can immerse yourself in a fantastical world with gorgeous illuminations following various themes, including light tunnels and snow crystal objects. Please enjoy the early Christmas mood of Sapporo!
[Sapporo Art Stage]
Date: Early to late November
Location: Various locations throughout Sapporo City
Official Website: https://s-artstage.com/2024/ (2024 version)
[Nakajima Park Illumination Event]
Date: Late October to early November 2025
Location: Nakajima Park
Official Website: https://sapporo-autumn-illuminations.jp/ (2024 version)
[Sapporo White Illumination]
Date: November 21, 2025 - March 14, 2026
Location: Odori Park and other areas around Sapporo Station
Official Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/
To Fully Enjoy Japan's Autumn, It's Best to be Guided by Locals Who Know the Area Inside Out!
If you want to thoroughly explore the charms of Sapporo autumn, which is full of attractions like food and tourist spots, participating in guided tours is also recommended.
Magical Trip conducts various tours where you can explore with guides who know the area inside out. With their local knowledge, they guide you to tourist spots and restaurants not found in guidebooks.
The charm of guided tours is also being able to immediately ask questions about Japanese cultural history, Japanese dining etiquette, and other topics of interest.
If you're someone who wants to "efficiently sightsee while hitting the key points" or "enjoy even deeper tourism from a local's unique perspective," please try participating in Magical Trip's tours!
