When people think of spring in Japan, cherry blossoms usually come to mind. But there’s another seasonal activity that locals and visitors enjoy just as much, strawberry picking, known as ichigo-gari (いちご狩り).
From January to May, farms across the country open their greenhouses and welcome visitors to pick fresh strawberries directly from the plants. Most farms offer a 30–40 minute all-you-can-eat experience, where you can walk through rows of strawberry plants and enjoy the fruit at its sweetest.
For foreign residents or travelers living in Tokyo, strawberry picking is a fun and easy spring day trip. Many farms are located just one to two hours from the city, making them perfect for a weekend adventure.
Here are five great strawberry picking spots near Tokyo where you can enjoy this sweet spring tradition.
1. Tokyo Strawberry Park (Yokohama)
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If you want a modern and easy strawberry picking experience, this indoor facility in Yokohama is one of the most convenient places to visit from Tokyo.
Unlike traditional farms, Tokyo Strawberry Park is designed more like a strawberry-themed attraction. The greenhouse is spacious, clean, and well-organized, making it ideal for first-time visitors. The facility also includes a café where you can enjoy strawberry desserts, as well as a shop selling sweets and souvenirs.
The strawberries are grown in elevated rows, which makes them easier to pick without bending down. Visitors can enjoy a timed picking session and taste several varieties of strawberries grown inside the greenhouse. The facility is
Why it’s great:
- Easy access from Tokyo (about 1 hour)
- Clean indoor facility
- Strawberry desserts and café onsite
Note: Tokyo Strawberry Park is usually open only on weekends and public holidays, and strawberry picking requires advance reservation. Be sure to check the official website for the latest schedule before visiting.
2. Ichigo no Sato Farm (Tochigi)
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Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Ichigo no Sato, literally meaning “Strawberry Village”, is one of the most famous strawberry farms in the region.
This large tourist farm offers a classic ichigo-gari experience with wide greenhouses filled with bright red strawberries. Visitors can pick and eat as many strawberries as they want within the time limit.
One of the highlights of this farm is the chance to taste premium Japanese strawberry varieties, including:
- Tochiotome Strawberry
- Skyberry Strawberry
These strawberries are known for their sweetness, juiciness, and large size.
The farm also has restaurants, dessert shops, and bakeries that serve strawberry-themed treats, making it easy to spend several hours there.
Why it’s great:
- Large and well-known strawberry farm
- Rare strawberry varieties
- Cafes and desserts made with fresh strawberries
Note: Strawberry picking is usually available from December to May, but opening hours and availability may vary depending on the season, so it’s recommended to check the official website before visiting.
3. Strawberry House Hosoda (Chiba)
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Chiba is one of the best places near Tokyo for fruit picking, and Strawberry House Hosoda is a popular destination during the strawberry season.
The farm offers a relaxed environment where visitors can enjoy strawberries grown inside warm greenhouses. The typical session lasts around 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to taste multiple strawberries and find the sweetest ones.
Because the strawberries are carefully grown and maintained, they are often very large and intensely sweet, making them perfect for strawberry lovers.
Chiba’s location also makes this farm easy to reach from Tokyo by train or car, which is why it’s a favorite weekend destination.
Why it’s great:
- Easy day trip from Tokyo
- Large and sweet strawberries
- Traditional strawberry picking atmosphere
Note: Opening days at Strawberry House Hosoda may vary depending on the harvest season. Reservations usually open about a week in advance, so it’s recommended to check the farm’s official website before visiting.
4. Kamakura Tourism Strawberry Garden (Kanagawa)
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If you want to combine sightseeing with strawberry picking, this farm near Kamakura is a great choice.
Kamakura is already famous for its temples, shrines, and coastal scenery. Visiting a strawberry farm nearby allows you to enjoy a perfect spring day trip, pick strawberries in the morning and explore the historic town afterward.
The strawberries here are grown on raised beds, making them easy to pick while standing. Visitors often enjoy several varieties during their session.
Why it’s great:
- Close to Kamakura sightseeing spots
- Easy to combine with a day trip
- Comfortable picking setup
Note: Kamakura Tourism Strawberry Farm is usually open only on weekends and holidays during the strawberry season, and reservations are required. It’s recommended to check the official website before visiting as opening days may change depending on the strawberries’ growth.
5. Izu Fruit Park (Shizuoka)
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If you’re willing to travel a little farther, Izu Fruit Park offers one of the most scenic strawberry picking experiences near Tokyo.
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the farm sits along the route toward the Izu Peninsula—an area known for beautiful coastal landscapes and hot springs.
During strawberry season, visitors can enjoy picking fresh strawberries inside spacious greenhouses. Afterward, you can explore nearby attractions or relax at an onsen in the Izu area.
The park also offers local food, souvenirs, and fruit-based desserts.
Why it’s great:
- Beautiful location near the Izu Peninsula
- Perfect for a weekend trip
- Local food and souvenirs available
Note: Strawberry picking at Izu Fruit Park is available from January to May, but availability may vary depending on the season. It’s recommended to check the official website or make a reservation in advance.
What Makes Strawberry Picking in Japan Special?
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Strawberry picking in Japan is slightly different from similar activities in other countries.
Most farms grow strawberries inside greenhouses, which protects them from weather and keeps the fruit in perfect condition. The strawberries are carefully cultivated to be very sweet, large, and visually beautiful.
Another unique feature is the wide range of strawberry varieties available. Some popular types include:
- Amaou Strawberry – famous for its large size and sweetness
- Benihoppe Strawberry – balanced sweet and slightly tangy flavor
- Tochiotome Strawberry – one of Japan’s most widely grown varieties
Trying different varieties is part of the fun, as each one has its own taste and texture.
A Sweet Way to Enjoy Spring in Japan
While cherry blossom viewing may be Japan’s most famous spring tradition, strawberry picking offers something equally memorable, a hands-on experience with seasonal food.
Walking through a greenhouse filled with the smell of ripe strawberries, tasting fruit picked just seconds before, and sharing the experience with friends or family makes for a perfect spring outing.
Whether you visit a farm in Yokohama, Chiba, Tochigi, or Shizuoka, strawberry picking is a delicious way to enjoy the season.
So if you’re looking for a fun activity this spring, consider heading out of the city for a few hours and experiencing one of Japan’s sweetest traditions.
Note: Many strawberry farms in Japan require reservations and may change their opening hours depending on weather or strawberry availability. It’s always a good idea to check the official website before visiting.
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