As strawberry season recently started in Japan, we would like to share with you the fun of this experience and where you can find the best spots around Japan! So here is our guide for strawberry picking in Japan.
What Is the Best Time for Strawberry Picking in Japan?
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January to April is usually the best time for strawberry picking in Japan. As you may not know, surprisingly, Japanese strawberries are a winter fruit. They are very juicy and sweet and come in different sizes, shapes and even colours! So why not plan your next trip for strawberry picking in Japan right now?
Why Is Strawberry Picking in Japan So Much Fun?
There is such joy in picking strawberries and fruits in general with your own hands! We share our two favourite things about why we like the hunt for strawberries so much.
You Can Eat as Much as You Want!
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Typically, when you are booking a strawberry picking experience in Japan, you are given a certain time window to eat as much as you want. However, inside the warm greenhouses, you can browse and find the most delicious strawberries you have ever tasted, so definitely give it a try!
It’s a Fun Activity You Can Enjoy With Friends and Family!
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Whether you want a fun afternoon with your friends or are planning a romantic couple’s date, strawberry picking in Japan is for you! Walking around easily in the well-temperature picking farms, taking photos and sharing the experiences with others is a great way to bond.
You Can Enjoy Different Kinds of Strawberries!
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Do the terms Tochiotome or Amaou ring a bell? If not, these are two of the 50 possible strawberry varieties you can enjoy while in Japan. For example, Tochiotome is an older variety dating to the mid-1990s. Their smell is very aromatic, and you can quickly identify them with their bright red colour. Amaou, on the other side, is a fairly new strawberry variety, first created in Fukuoka in 2005, and locals love its round shape and large size.
Tips for Strawberry Picking in Japan
Here we give you some practical tips while you are on your strawberry hunt (いちご狩り, Ichigo-gari in Japanese ) to make the most out of your stay!
1. Arrive Early
Not everyone is an early bird, but when it comes to finding and eating the most delicious strawberries, make sure to aim for the farms opening hours. Especially on the weekends, it tends to get busier, so skip the crowds and find the juiciest strawberries in the greenhouse of your choice.
2. Start Far Away From the Entrance
When entering the farm, most people start immediately picking. This also means it tends to get busier in these areas, so make sure to withdraw from the back.
3. Colour Over Size
We know it sounds tempting only to pick the biggest fruits that catch your eye but hold your horses. The smaller and darker the colours of strawberries are, the sweeter they tend to be. So keep an eye out for them!
4. Look for Cracks
Cracks? You may ask yourself. Yes, cracks near the calyx (the green leafy-top part of the fruit) signify ripeness. So you will get a sweet reward even when the strawberry doesn’t look perfect and is a bit wonky!
5. From the Calyx to the Tip
We talked about the top part (calyx) before in tip number 4. This part is more sour, so we recommend you start with that part and eat toward the tip of the strawberry. Also, some greenhouses offer condensed milk to dip your strawberries in. It’s such a fantastic combination, so make sure to give it a try!
Where Are the Best Places Around Tokyo for Strawberry Picking?
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We share the best strawberry-picking spots around Tokyo that are easy to reach! Make sure to check out the websites and opening hours before you go.
1. Kawatsura Strawberry Farm (Chiba)
Address: 478 Hayafune, Sammu, Chiba 289-1311
Website: http://www.kawatsura15.com/e/
Reservation: First come, first serve only.
2. Keisei Rose Garden (Chiba)
Address: Owada Shinden, Yachiyo, Chiba 276-0046
Website: https://www.keiseirose.co.jp/garden/
Reservation: Reservations can be made via the official website
3. Fuchuichigokari Orchards (Tokyo)
Address: 3 Chome-16-2 Miyoshicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-0045
Website: https://fuchu-ichigogari.com/
Reservation: Reservations can be made via the official website
4. Niikura Noen Farm (Tokyo)
Address: 1179 Ochikawa, Tama, Tokyo 206-0015
Website: http://www.niikuranoen.com/
Reservation: Are required in advance
Are You Excited to Go Strawberry Picking in Japan?
Sweet, red delicious – strawberries are just a special winter fruit in Japan! Of course, you can buy them in stores and enjoy them at home, but all-you-can-eat strawberry picking is a fun activity for everyone! So make sure to try it out with your friends, family and loved ones.
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