When you think of Hokkaido, the food is definitely one of the most exciting things! There's so much to enjoy, from seafood like sea urchin, scallops, and salmon (which is in season right now), to meats like Jingisukan (grilled lamb), and dairy products and sweets! But a two or three-night trip to Hokkaido just won't be enough to satisfy you, will it?

For those with a big appetite, we highly recommend the "Sapporo Autumn Fest," currently underway. It's a dream event where gourmet food from all over Hokkaido is gathered in one place. But what if you don't have that much time? No problem! You can enjoy it thoroughly, even if it's just for an hour!

So, I'd like to share some photos of the Sapporo Autumn Fest, and if you're planning to go to Sapporo during that period, please be sure to check it out and enjoy!
*This article is based on an interview conducted in 2015.

What is Sapporo Autumn Fest?

This food event, which started in Sapporo in 2008, is now in its 11th year (as of 2018). Over 100 food and drink stalls line Odori Park in the heart of Sapporo throughout the event period, where you can enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine and purchase specialty products such as seafood and agricultural products.

Additionally, as part of the collaboration, limited-time menus will be offered at stores other than those in Odori Park.
For further information, please read Official websitePlease take a look!

The holding period is

2018年は9月15日～9月30日まで。節電のため、開催時間は平日12：00～19：30、土日祝は10：00～20：30です。

The venue is

Located in Odori Park, the heart of Sapporo, the event is divided into eight venues.
If you're coming from Sapporo Station or Susukino, it's best to take the Namboku Line subway to Odori Park Station, go above ground from there, and enjoy the sights by heading west.

If you're short on time, you can still have plenty of fun just by walking around to 4-5 venues in order of proximity to Odori Subway Station!
Please note that there is no dedicated parking lot, so please use public transportation whenever possible.

I actually walked it.

Now, let me show you what it was like to actually walk there!

Odori Park is a delightful park where you can feel the essence of Hokkaido just by taking a stroll through the lush green lawns and blooming flowers.

As soon as you enter the venue in 4-chome, which is the closest to Odori Park Station, you'll be greeted by a buzz of people.

I'm so excited about the ingredients that are so typical of Hokkaido!

The covered horse-drawn carriages, a famous tourist attraction in Sapporo, also pass by.

When you think of Hokkaido, you think of sea urchin!

Furano's specialty, omurice curry!

The recently popular "Tokachi Beef and Egg Steak Bowl" has a long line even before noon!

Of course, it's perfectly fine to sit on the grass and eat!

Popular shops from Sapporo will also be featured!

The venue is in 6th Street. It's already this crowded even though it's a weekday morning!

I couldn't wait any longer, so I went for my first meal. I lined up at "Hokkaido Ingredients HUG"...

Got some delicious-looking oysters! Steamed in sake, 2 pieces for 600 yen.

I wonder if the photo conveys how plump and juicy it is! It's happiness worth 300 yen per bite.

Corn,

They also sell fruit. It has a market-like atmosphere!

The venue at 7th Street will be a bar where you can enjoy wine, sake, and more!

And then there's the 8th Street venue. Called the "Hometown Market," it features a huge array of specialty products from various cities and towns throughout Hokkaido.

When you think of Sarufutsu Village in northern Hokkaido, you naturally think of...

Scallops! 2 for 600 yen

This thickness is packed with the delicious flavor of the Okhotsk Sea.

I was thirsty (but couldn't drink alcohol because I was at work...), so I chose this.

It was a delicious ramune soda with a simple flavor!

Next up is meat.

Makubetsu town's specialty, beef skirt steak skewers, 300 yen each. So juicy!

A variety of local specialties are on display.

It's hard to give up on that one too...

Here it is, sea urchin rice from Setana town in southern Hokkaido!

Without hesitation, I chose the special sea urchin rice bowl with three times the amount of sea urchin.

The sea urchin has a different presence.

A blissful moment as the gentle flavor of sea urchin spreads in your mouth...

Finally, I was looking for something sweet to finish off the meal, and I spotted the words "Betsukai Town," known for having the best raw milk in Japan.

The "Yukimitsu Soft Serve Ice Cream" (400 yen) is something that raises expectations.

The "snow syrup" is drizzled softly over the ice cream. It's a honey-like syrup, and it's incredibly sweet and delicious!

Having enjoyed myself so much, it had been exactly one hour since I started walking. To be able to savor the delicious food of Hokkaido in such a short time is priceless!

• The venues we walked through this time: 4th Street venue to 8th Street venue
• Money spent: 3,000 yen (※This was actually enough to fill me up♪)
• Duration: 1 hour (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Summary

So, that's a brief overview of what it was like walking around for an hour. What did you think? Besides what I've shown you, there's a wide variety of other items on the menu. If you go with a few friends and buy a variety of dishes, you'll be able to enjoy an even wider range of Hokkaido cuisine.

By the way, it gets crowded on weekends, during lunchtime and in the evening, so I recommend avoiding those times. Also, popular menu items sell out and the restaurant closes early, so I recommend going as early as possible! If you're lucky enough to go this year, please do so this year, and if not, please try to go next year.

Contact
Sapporo Autumn Fest Executive Committee
TEL 011-281-6400 (Sapporo Tourism Association)
http://www.sapporo-autumnfest.jp/

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