Picking your own strawberries is an experience every strawberry lover should try at least once in Japan. If you're basing your trip in a big city like Tokyo but still want to go strawberry picking, you don't have to choose one over the other. We've gathered 8 farms located in Tokyo and nearby prefectures that are just a short trip away. Every one of these farms is easy to reach, and the strawberries are big and juicy.
1. Niikura Noen
Photo from Official Site
This is one of the most convenient farms, located in the town of Tama in Tokyo. The strawberries here are grown organically, so you can pick and eat them with confidence. Unlike other farms, this one doesn't offer an all-you-can-eat buffet. Entry is free, and you pay by weight for what you pick, at 324 yen per 100 grams. It's a good choice for anyone who wants to soak up the farm atmosphere and sample just a few fresh berries.
Picking season: mid-February to early May
Free admission; strawberries charged by weight at 324 yen per 100 grams
Access: Take the Keio Line to Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station, then bus No. 9 to the Ochikawa stop, followed by about a 1-minute walk.
More information: http://www.niikuranoen.com/
2. Dragon Farm
Photo from Official Site
This popular farm is located in Chiba Prefecture, about an hour from Tokyo. It's a top choice for strawberry picking, with as many as 20 varieties grown on site. You get a full 30 minutes to eat as much as you like, and there's free condensed milk and chocolate dip for anyone with a sweet tooth. Roasted sweet potatoes are also available. There's no need to book in advance, though groups are advised to call ahead. It's best to go early in the morning, as the farm can sell out quickly.
Picking season: early January to early May
Price (varies by month):
- Children aged 2-3: 500 yen
- Kindergarten children aged 4-6: 1,200 yen
- Elementary school children: 1,700 yen
- Adults: 2,000 yen (1,700 yen from April to early May)
Access: Take the Chiba Monorail to Chishirodai-kita Station, then walk about 20 minutes or take a taxi (about 10 minutes).
More information: http://www.dragon-farm.com/
3. Kondo Ichigo-en
Photo from Official Site
This farm grows as many as 20 varieties of strawberries, including the prized white strawberry known as Awayuki, famous for its sweetness and fragrance. The 30 minutes you get here are well worth it.
Picking season: mid-December to early May
Price (varies by month):
- Children under 3: 600 - 1,100 yen
- Children aged 4-6: 900 - 1,700 yen
- Children aged 7 and up, and adults: 1,100 - 2,000 yen
Access: Take the JR Sotobo Line to Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station, then walk about 15 minutes.
More information: http://www.kondo-ichigo.com/
4. Kawatsura Strawberry Farm
Photo from Official Site
This farm is great value, with no time limit on picking. There are about 6-7 varieties of Japanese strawberries to choose from, including favorites like Fusanoka, Moikko, and Akihime, which are big, juicy, and sweet.
Picking season: mid-December to early May
Price (varies by month):
- Elementary school children and up: 1,100 - 2,000 yen
- Children aged 4-6: 700 - 1,500 yen
- Children under 3: 300 - 500 yen
Access: Take the Limited Express Shiosai to Naruto Station, then take the free shuttle bus to the farm (about 7-10 minutes).
More information: http://www.kawatsura15.com/e/index.html
5. Aiba Ichigo-en
Photo from Official Site
This farm is located in Chiba Prefecture, close to Narita Airport, making it a great choice if you want to pick strawberries right after arriving in Japan. It grows about 16 varieties, including some rare ones not found elsewhere, with 6-8 varieties available at a time on a rotating basis, so what you get to taste can vary by season. The buffet lasts a generous 40 minutes. If that's not enough, you can also take home strawberry products made on the farm, such as fresh strawberry daifuku (limited to 100 pieces a day), strawberry milk pudding, and strawberry cheesecake.
Picking season: mid-December to mid-May
Price (varies by month):
- Children under 3: 300 - 500 yen
- Children aged 4-6: 700 - 1,500 yen
- Children aged 7 and up, and adults: 1,100 - 2,000 yen
Access: Take a JR train to Naruto Station, where a farm shuttle bus will pick you up (advance booking required).
More information: http://aiba-15.com/index.html
6. Hoyano Ichigo-en
Photo from Official Site
This farm is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, about an hour from Tokyo. Two varieties are available here: Akihime, nicknamed the "princess of strawberries" for its large size, firm and juicy texture, and sweet, fragrant taste; and Benihoppe, a very sweet variety with a well-balanced hint of tartness. You can eat as much as you like within 30 minutes, and plenty of condensed milk is available for dipping.
Picking season: early January to early May
Price (varies by month):
- Children: 800 - 1,100 yen
- Adults: 1,300 - 1,800 yen
Access: Take the JR Tokaido Line to Hiratsuka Station, then the Kanachu bus to the Shimojima stop, followed by about a 3-minute walk.
More information: http://www.ichigogali.com/index.html
7. Nikko Ichigo Strawberry Park
Photo from Official Site
This is the most famous strawberry farm in Tochigi Prefecture, thanks to its convenient location near several major tourist attractions. The all-you-can-eat buffet lasts 30 minutes, with free condensed milk for dipping during that time.
Picking season: early December to end of March
Price (varies by month):
- Adults: 1,500 - 1,700 yen
- Children: 1,000 - 1,200 yen
Access: Take the Tobu Line to Shimo-Imaichi Station, then a taxi (about 12 minutes) or walk (about 38 minutes).
More information: http://www.nikkoichigo.com/
8. Farm Square Tanzawa no Mori
This strawberry farm is located in Kanagawa Prefecture. The fastest way to get there is by the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (bullet train), taking about 1 hour, or about 1 hour 30 minutes by regular train. The farm has an outstanding setting, surrounded by mountains and the beautiful scenery of Tanzawa. The strawberries here are grown in a large, spacious greenhouse. The main varieties available for picking are Akihime, Benihoppe, and Kaorino. This is the place to go if you want to pick strawberries surrounded by great views.
Picking season: early January to early June
Price (varies by month):
- Adults (junior high school and up): 1,000 - 1,700 yen
- Children (age 3 to elementary school): 800 - 1,300 yen
Access: Take the Odakyu Odawara Line to Shibusawa Station and leave via the north exit, then the Okura bus to the Hachiman Jinja stop, followed by about a 3-minute walk.
The best season for strawberry picking runs from January to May, depending on the location. If your trip falls within this window, it's the best time of year to taste fresh Japanese strawberries, when they're at their sweetest and most fragrant.