Ultimate Sapporo October 2025 Events Guide: Autumn Festival, Fall Foliage & Must-See Attractions
If you're visiting Sapporo, October is truly the recommended season. With autumn foliage painting the trees in red and yellow, gourmet events featuring Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients, and vibrant nightspots bustling until late at night, autumn Sapporo is packed with attractions that make your journey enjoyable.
This article introduces recommended events you can experience in Sapporo in October 2025, as well as must-see autumn foliage spots. Please make use of this information for planning your trip.
If You're Visiting Sapporo by October 4th, You Must Participate in Sapporo Autumn Fest!
The "Sapporo Autumn Fest" held at Odori Park from September 12th to October 4th is a gourmet event themed around Hokkaido and Sapporo cuisine.
Agricultural and marine products from various parts of Hokkaido, along with original dishes by local chefs, gather in one place, allowing you to fully enjoy seasonal flavors.
This is a precious opportunity for citizens as well as domestic and international travelers to thoroughly enjoy Hokkaido cuisine, so please be sure to visit.
Information:
- Dates: Friday, September 12, 2025 - Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Access: Directly accessible from "Odori Station" on the Tozai, Namboku, and Toho subway lines, or "Nishi 11-chome Station" on the Tozai subway line
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 10:00-20:30
- Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/autumnfest/
Exquisite Gourmet Delights Gathered from All Over Hokkaido
The greatest charm of Sapporo Autumn Fest is being able to enjoy seasonal flavors from all over Hokkaido at once. Various dishes line up including fresh seafood and vegetables, Genghis Khan (Japanese style grilled mutton or lamb BBQ), soup curry, and more, making it difficult to choose what to select.
I first tasted "Uni Meshi (traditional Japanese rice cooked with fresh sea urchin)" here, and when I compared two types of sea urchin, I was surprised by the difference in flavor.
Since this is an event where you can deeply understand Hokkaido through food, please try to find your favorite dish.
A Lineup of Various Types of Alcohol That Match Perfectly with Exquisite Cuisine
At Sapporo Autumn Fest, being able to enjoy alcohol made in various parts of Hokkaido, not just the cuisine, is also an attractive point. Local craft beers, wines, Japanese sake made with Hokkaido rice, and other alcoholic beverages that can be chosen to match the cuisine are abundantly available, making this an irresistible event for alcohol lovers.
What I particularly recommend is Hokkaido-produced wine. Although its history is short, the quality is high, and in recent years, it has been increasing its award-winning record at domestic and international wine competitions.
Many stores offer tasting sets, so please try various comparisons to find your preferred drink.
Stage Events That Create Excitement While Enjoying Gourmet Food and Alcohol
At Sapporo Autumn Fest, stage events that further enliven the venue are also held. Music live performances and shows by local artists, talk shows featuring baseball players, and other events are held on a rotating daily basis, which you can enjoy between food walking.
When I visited, there was a jazz performance by local university students. The time spent savoring Hokkaido's exquisite gourmet food while immersed in pleasant music under the refreshing autumn blue sky felt very luxurious and happy.
Other Must-See Events You Can Enjoy in Sapporo in October
JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE
Source:Official website
"JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE" is a light experience event held in Jozankei, a hot spring town about one hour by car from Sapporo.
Along the walking paths by the valley, illuminations and projection mapping are performed, creating a fantastical landscape woven by nature and light.
During the period, an outdoor bonfire lounge also appears, where you can enjoy relaxing time with alcohol and sweets. I also spent a leisurely time savoring coffee around the bonfire with other tourists.
This is an event where you can spend a special autumn night in the calm atmosphere unique to hot spring towns. If you're planning to stay in Jozankei during this period, please be sure to stop by.
Information:
- Dates: Sunday, June 1, 2025 - Friday, October 31, 2025
- Access: About 60 minutes by Jotetsu Bus "Kappa Liner" from "Sapporo Station" or about 60 minutes by Donan Bus Sapporo-Toya Lake Line via Nakayama Pass from "Sapporo Station"
- Admission: Free (entry limited to hotel guests only)
- Hours: 19:00-21:30
- Website: https://jozankei.jp/luminarie/
Sapporo International Short Film Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The "Sapporo International Short Film Festival" held in Sapporo in October is an international film festival where you can casually enjoy short films selected from around the world. With various genres including animation and documentaries, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people from movie beginners to enthusiasts.
At the venue, director talk sessions and audience-participation programs are also implemented, allowing you to feel the fun of movies more deeply. The attractive point is not just enjoying watching and appreciating the works, but being able to deeply understand the background and production stories, and touch the works from a perspective close to the creators.
If you're interested in movies, please take this opportunity to experience the diverse world of short films in Sapporo.
Information:
- Dates: Friday, October 10, 2025 - Monday, October 13, 2025 (National Holiday)
- Access: 5-minute walk from "Susukino Station" on the Namboku subway line
- Admission: Free (however, ticket purchase required for paid screening programs)
- Website: https://sapporoshortfest.jp/
Sapporo Marathon
Source:Official website
The "Sapporo Marathon" is a popular event for citizen runners held annually in autumn, taking place throughout the city of Sapporo. The courses are set up with a wide range from 1km to half marathon, allowing participation from beginners to veterans.
On the half marathon course, you can run through landmarks such as the street in front of Sapporo Station and Odori Park, experiencing the city's atmosphere from a different perspective than sightseeing.
When I visited to cheer on participants, I could feel the warm encouragement flying from the roadside spectators, and I experienced firsthand how the entire city came together to enliven the event.
You can enjoy interaction with local people while experiencing the unique scenery of Sapporo and a sense of achievement.
Information
- Date: October 5, 2025 (Sunday)
- Access: From Sapporo Station on the Namboku Subway Line to Makomanai Station, then about 6 minutes by temporary bus or about 25 minutes on foot
- Participation Fee: Varies depending on the course you enter
- Website: https://satumara.sapporo-sport.jp/index.html
After enjoying daytime events, enjoy bar hopping in Susukino at night!
After fully enjoying Sapporo's events and sightseeing during the day, why not enjoy bar hopping in Susukino at night?
Known as Hokkaido's largest nightlife spot, Susukino is lined with bars, izakayas, and craft beer specialty shops, bustling with activity until late at night. On this tour, you'll visit three izakayas over about 3 hours with a guide who knows the local area well.
Even if there are unfamiliar menu items or ingredients, the guide will suggest dishes and drinks that match your preferences, so first-time visitors can feel at ease. Please try Sapporo's unique delicious cuisine and alcohol in nighttime Susukino.
- Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
- Tour area: Susukino, Sapporo
- Start time: 18:00
If you come to Sapporo in October, also enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage spots!
October in Sapporo welcomes the autumn foliage season, with street trees and mountain ranges turning red and yellow. Autumn foliage is an important seasonal landscape for Japanese people, alongside spring cherry blossoms, and "Momiji-gari (autumn leaf viewing)" remains a traditional autumn pastime beloved by many people.
If you visit in conjunction with Sapporo events, you'll be able to feel Japan's autumn more deeply. Here, I'll introduce six recommended spots where you can enjoy autumn foliage in Sapporo.
Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park is a popular autumn foliage spot where you can enjoy rich natural scenery despite being in central Sapporo. In autumn, the maple and ginkgo trees in the park turn colors, and just walking around the Japanese garden and pond brings peace to your heart.
At "Shobu-ike (Shobu pond)" in the park, you can also enjoy boating, and the experience of looking up at the autumn foliage while rowing is exceptional. During autumn foliage season, nighttime illumination is also conducted, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.
Please enjoy the autumn-specific scenery at Nakajima Park, where you can feel the changing of the seasons while in the city.
Spot Information
- Address: 1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Operating hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed days: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
- Phone number: 011-511-3924
- Official website: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/
- Color change begins: Around mid-October
- Best viewing: Late October to early November
Odori Park
Odori Park, which can be called a symbol of Sapporo, is an open park extending about 1.5km from east to west, beloved by citizens and tourists.
In autumn, trees such as maple, ginkgo, and Japanese maple turn red and yellow, allowing you to enjoy beautiful autumn foliage in the heart of the city.
What I especially recommend is being able to take photos of autumn foliage with Sapporo TV Tower, another symbol of Sapporo, in the background. I also captured this scenery in photos when I visited, and I've looked back at them many times to immerse myself in the memories.
Since it's located in the city center, the attractive point is that you can easily drop by between events or while shopping.
Spot Information
- Address: Odori Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Operating hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed days: Please check the homepage
- Phone number: 011-241-1131
- Official website: https://odori-park.jp/
- Color change begins: Mid-October
- Best viewing: Late October to early November
Mt. Moiwa
Mt. Moiwa, located about 35 minutes by bus from Sapporo City, is a popular spot where you can enjoy both autumn foliage and city views at once.
From the observation deck at the 531m summit, you can view magnificent scenery of trees dyed red and yellow and Sapporo's cityscape spreading out. The summit is accessible by ropeway and mini cable car, so even those without confidence in their physical strength can feel at ease.
When I visited, the autumn foliage was dyed an even more intense orange color by the twilight light, creating a fantastical scene.
Mt. Moiwa is also famous as a spot with beautiful night views, and at night you can enjoy Sapporo's modern cityscape 360 degrees.
Spot Information
- Address: 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Operating hours: 10:30-22:00
- Closed days: December 31, January 1 Closed for maintenance from late March to late April 2026
- Phone number: 011-561-8177
- Official website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/
- Color change begins: Mid-October
- Best viewing: Mid to late October
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park, easily accessible from central Sapporo, is a historic natural park that has been beloved by local people for over 70 years.
In autumn, the maples and ginkgo trees in the park turn vibrant colors, creating a serene landscape that harmonizes with the solemn atmosphere of the adjacent Hokkaido Jingu shrine. When I visited, the autumn foliage visible through the shrine's torii gate was very impressive, and I was moved by this quintessentially Japanese autumn scenery.
Additionally, since Maruyama Zoo is located nearby, it's an ideal spot for families. Take your time strolling through the park and experience Sapporo's nature.
Spot Information
- Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-621-0453
- Official Website: https://maruyamapark.jp/
- Color Change Begins: Mid-October
- Best Viewing: Mid to late October
This makes it a perfect destination for the anticipated Sapporo Event October 2025, when visitors can experience the peak autumn colors.
Jozankei Onsen Area
The Jozankei Onsen area, located about one hour by bus from central Sapporo, is a popular area where you can enjoy both autumn foliage and hot springs simultaneously.
Along the valley, maples and Japanese maples turn vibrant colors, harmonizing with the flowing river and rock surfaces to create a scenery that looks like a painting.
My recommendation is to soak in foot baths while viewing the autumn foliage. Jozankei has multiple foot bath spots, so you can warm your body while leisurely enjoying the autumn colors.
During the day you can take autumn foliage walks, and at night you can spend luxurious time relaxing at hot spring inns - this is another attractive feature. Please experience this special scenery unique to this season, when the entire hot spring town is dyed in autumn colors.
Spot Information
- Address: Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo City
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-598-2012 (Tourist Information Center)
- Official Website: https://moerenumapark.jp/
- Color Change Begins: Late September
- Best Viewing: Early to mid-October
The timing aligns perfectly with Sapporo Event October 2025, offering visitors an unforgettable autumn experience.
Lake Sapporo
Lake Sapporo, located in the southwest of Sapporo City, is a dam lake created by blocking the Otarunai River, known as a beautiful autumn foliage spot surrounded by nature.
In autumn, the mountains around the lake are dyed red and yellow, creating a fantastical scene where the colors are reflected even on the lake surface. Many tourists visit by car, and you can enjoy the autumn foliage and clear air while strolling around the area.
Since there aren't as many people as in city parks, it's especially recommended for those who want to avoid crowds and quietly enjoy autumn. With easy access about one hour by car from the city center, it's an area where you can casually enjoy autumn nature.
Spot Information
- Address: Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-583-8110
- Official Website: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/spot/detail_11184.html
- Color Change Begins: Early October
- Best Viewing: Mid to late October
This location will be particularly spectacular during Sapporo Event October 2025, providing a serene alternative to busier tourist spots.
To Fully Enjoy Tourist Destinations Throughout Japan, Have Local Guides Show You Around Each City!
After fully enjoying your trip to Sapporo, why not try exploring other cities throughout Japan? By strolling with local guides, you can deeply learn about the unique history, culture, and real-life stories of each place.
You can also discover local gourmet food and hidden spots that you might miss on your own - this is another attractive feature of these tours.
Since you can enjoy yourself with peace of mind even in places you're visiting for the first time, please consider taking walking tours with local guides.
