For those who have stopped clinging to summer, Hokkaido's Odori Park in Sapporo — which stretches from east to west, covering 11 districts of the city's center — is ready for its annual Autumn Fest.

The first district (1-chome) is hosting the Sapporo Oktoberfest, offering a wide selection of German beers as well as many of Hokkaido's original craft beers. Thirty-seven varieties of wine from 17 Hokkaido wineries can also be found in 7-chome, while noodle fans should visit 5-chome for its 15 ramen stands where they will also find beer, wine, shōchū, sake, cocktails and other drinks.

Hokkaido specialties such as Tokachi and Shiraoi beef steak, lamb-chop rice omelet and grilled crab are on offer in 6-chome, and visitors can buy local produce at the 8-chome marketplace. One highlight is "Sapporo Chefs Kitchen" in 11-chome, at which 15 chefs from Sapporo will prepare dishes using Hokkaido venison.

Finally, for entertainment, 10-chome will be filled with the sounds of samba, hip-hop dance and taiko drums on Sept. 13 and 14, plus jazz every Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as Sept. 15 and 23, and an acoustic guitar show on Sept. 20, 21 and 23.

Sapporo Autumn Fest 2014 takes place from Sept. 12 to 28, from 10 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (1-chome from 12 noon to 9 p.m.) at Odori Park near Sapporo Station. For more information, call 011-281-6400 or visit www.sapporo-autumnfest.jp.