Winter in Japan is not just about the snow and hot springs, but it is also the season for one of Japan’s most famous fruits, strawberries! From December to May, farms across Japan open their land for ichigo-gari (いちご狩り), or strawberry picking, letting visitors in to taste juicy, sweet berries straight from the vine.
Strawberry season is a wonderful activity for both locals and tourists. Whether you are in Tokyo, Kyoto, or the countryside of Tochigi, it is a delicious and fun way to enjoy Japan’s chilly winter and interesting farm culture.
A big strawberry picked on a strawberry farm – Photo Credit: Dahlia Jamnonknearn
What makes ichigo-gari picking special
Unlike strawberry farms in many countries, Japan’s ichigo-gari farms are usually indoors, inside large greenhouses filled with neatly arranged rows of plants. This makes strawberry picking possible even in the colder weather.
Most farms let you eat as many strawberries as you want during a set time (usually 30-45 minutes). Usually, you will be given a small tray and sometimes some condensed milk for dipping. Some farms even offer special varieties of strawberries to taste, from bright red to pale pink or even white strawberries.
A Tochiotome strawberry – Photo Credit: Arif Aslam
Tochigi, Japan’s strawberry kingdom
When it comes to strawberries, Tochigi Prefecture is number one. Tochigi is located to the north of Tokyo, and has been Japan’s leading strawberry-producing prefecture for a long time. The rich soil, clean water, and cool climate make it perfect for growing these small fruit.
Tochigi is famous for its main variety called Tochiotome, known for its large size, bright red color, and perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. However, in recent years, the prefecture has also introduced its new Skyberry, an even bigger and juicier strawberry that has managed to become popular all over Japan.
Yoshimura Strawberry Park in Mashiko – Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
Here are some of Tochigi’s top strawberry-picking spots
Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Tochigi): This farm is a top choice if your main goal is the best possible strawberry picking experience. They are famous for their incredible variety and for having no time limit on all-you-can-eat picking, which is extremely rare.
Address: 520 Hanawa, Mashiko, Haga District, Tochigi 321-4216
Ichigo-no-sato (Tochigi): This farm is located about 15-20 minutes by taxi from Oyama Station. They are another excellent choice for picking Tochiotome strawberries. However, reservations are necessary here.
Address: 408 Okawashima, Oyama, Tochigi 323-0058
Agritown (Tochigi): Located around 10 minutes by taxi from Sano Station, Agritown is a popular spot for strawberry picking. They also grow the Tochiotome strawberry, and reservations are recommended.
Address: 802-4 Ueshimocho, Sano, Tochigi 327-0835
Berry Oku (Tochigi): This farm offers a unique summer strawberry picking experience with the “Natsuotome” strawberry. It is one of the few places in Tochigi where you can pick strawberries during the summer months.
Address: 3159 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661
A row of strawberry plants in a greenhouse – Photo Credit: Nao Takabayashi
Best strawberry picking spots near Tokyo
If you are staying in Tokyo and don’t want to travel far, there are many great ichigo-gari farms that are easy to get to from Japan’s central hub.
Setagaya Ichigo Juku (Tokyo): This is the easiest choice because it is inside Tokyo! You don’t need to travel far. It’s perfect if you have just a morning free.
Address: 4 Chome-32-1 Nakamachi, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0091
Kawatsura Strawberry Farm (Chiba): This is a great “farm” experience just outside the city. They give you a 40-minute all-you-can-eat session, and have around 8 different strawberry varieties for you to taste and compare.
Address: 478 Hayafuneto, Sammu, Chiba 289-1311
Chichibu Fruit Farm (Saitama): This is the best pick for a full-day trip. You can pick strawberries in the morning and then explore the beautiful nature, mountains, and shrines in the Chichibu area.
Address: 877-1 Shimokagemori, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1871
A girl picking strawberries – Photo Credit: Isuru Udesh Mangala
Best strawberry picking spots near Kyoto
The western part of Japan also has wonderful places to enjoy strawberry picking. Near Kyoto, the countryside and mild winter weather create perfect conditions for growing sweet berries.
Osazen Strawberry Farm (Kyoto): This is a huge farm with 21 greenhouses, so there are plenty of berries to eat. They give you a 50-minute all-you-can-eat session and grow multiple strawberry varieties like Akihime and Benihoppe, so you can taste and compare.
Address: Sugai-339 Uchizato, Yawata, Kyoto 614-8228
Uesugi Noen (Kyoto): This farm also gives you a 50-minute all-you-can-eat session. It is highly rated for growing four different strawberry varieties, including Akihime, Benihoppe, Yotsuboshi, and Starnight, which give you a great tasting experience.
Address: Funakoji-303 Uchizato, Yawata, Kyoto 614-0000
Berry Farm Uji (Kyoto): This is the perfect choice to combine with a sightseeing trip. You can spend the morning picking strawberries and the afternoon exploring Uji’s famous historic sites, like the Byodoin Temple.
Address: Hatanuki-143 Makishimacho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0041
Strawberry parfait at Murakami Tea Farm, Suruga – Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
Enjoy strawberry-themed desserts
During the strawberry season, the entire country celebrates with strawberry-themed desserts everywhere. From bakeries and cafes to convenience stores, limited-time desserts are released like strawberry shortcakes, mochi, lates, and parfaits.
Popular cafes in Tokyo and Kyoto feature strawberry pancakes or crepes. And if you visit in February to March, you might also find special Valentine’s and White Day strawberry chocolates.
Strawberry picking using a small tray – Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
Sweet memories of the strawberry season
Strawberry season in Japan is more than just about fruit; it is also about the joyful celebration of freshness and nature. Whether you are walking through Tochigi’s greenhouses, tasting strawberry-themed confections in a Tokyo cafe, or picking berries in the Kyoto countryside, each experience offers a moment of happiness and connection.
Featured Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
