Japan’s fondness for fruit becomes a palpable experience around Nagoya, where families and fruit lovers gather to indulge in this delightful activity. The farms across the country, particularly in Aichi Prefecture, offer a chance to pick fruits directly from the trees in their orchards. Let’s explore some of the best fruit-picking spots around Nagoya, where every visit promises a basket full of flavors and fun.
The Seasonal Delight of Fruit Picking
| Month | Fruits |
|---|---|
| December – May | Strawberries |
| June – July | Grapes (Greenhouse) |
| August – September | Grapes (Outdoor) |
| June – September | Mandarin Oranges (Greenhouse) |
| November – January | Mandarin Oranges (Outdoor) |
| June – August | Melons |
| September – October | Persimmons (Fudegaki) |
| October – November | Persimmons (Jirogaki) |
| May – July | Figs (Greenhouse) |
| August – October | Figs (Outdoor) |
Typically, farms charge visitors a set amount for a specific period, usually 30 to 60 minutes, with fees varying from 800 to 3000 yen. Some farms do not insist on a time limit, offering a more relaxed experience. Payment methods can vary; some charge by the weight of the fruit picked, while others allow visitors to exchange their picked fruits for a pre-packaged and weighed bag. The experience depends largely on the farm’s policy.
Gamagori Orange Park
In the warm coastal areas of the Chita Peninsula and cities like Gamagori, grape picking is a seasonal highlight. Gamagori Orange Park, known for its no-take-home policy, lets you eat as much as you want within the park. The park also offers barbecue sets, providing a perfect blend of dining and fruit picking. Reservations are required for both grape picking and barbecue.
- Grapes: Delaware grapes (until July), Kyoho grapes (August to September)
- Open: Daily, 09:00-17:00
- Location: Ogurimi 1-93, Seida-cho, Gamagori City
- Website: orepa.sakura.ne.jp
- Contact: 0533-68-2321
Okazaki Komadachi Grape Farms
This association of seven grape farms in Okazaki offers grape picking sets, some including a take-home option for an additional fee. Each farm, such as Shibakyu-en and Yamasa-en, provides a unique experience. Barbecue areas are available, though you need to bring your own equipment.
- Grapes: Delaware, Steuben, Kyoho
- Location: Okazaki City, Komadachi-cho
- Websites: Various, including shibaqen.tumblr.com, nande.com/yamasaen
Obu Naganeyama
A standard all-you-can-eat option is available, with an additional charge for taking grapes home. This farm doesn’t require reservations for individuals or small groups.
- Grapes: Seedless Delaware, Kyoho
- Open: Daily, 9:00-17:00
- Location: Obu Shi, Nagane-cho 2-180
- Website: www.grape-obu.jp
- Contact: 0562-46-4911
Marusada Grape Farm
Part of the Higashiura Morioka Budoen association, Marusada offers an all-you-can-eat experience. Visitors are requested to buy any leftover grapes they pick.
- Grapes: Kyoho
- Open: 9:00-17:00
- Location: Chita gun, Higashiura-cho, Morioka-ikebata 2
- Website: www.hm-grape.com/mame
- Contact: 0562-83-0624, reservations required
Mikunien
Mikunien offers a comprehensive day out with a 90-minute picking session followed by lunch. BBQ sets are available for rent, and children can enjoy amusements post-lunch.
- Grapes: Seedless Delaware, Kyoho
- Open: 9:00-16:30
- Location: 18 Aza-Nakasarata, Komadachi-cho, Okazaki
- Website: mikunien-okazaki.com
- Contact: 0564-45-5000, reservations required
Togokusan Fruit Park: A Cornucopia of Fruits
Togokusan Fruit Park in Moriyama Ku, just beneath Nagoya’s highest mountain, Togokusan, is a family-friendly destination not just for fruit picking but also for its diverse attractions. The park features 15 orchards of local fruits, a “World Orchard” of tropical fruits, and a fruit house for educational activities. You can also explore the Japanese garden, seasonal flower fields, standard restaurants, and gift shops.
- Address: 2110 Togoku, Kamishidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 463-0001, Japan
- Contact: 052-736-3344
- Website: www.fruitpark.org
Whether relishing the sourness of Delaware grapes or enjoying the sweetness of Kyoho grapes, each farm around Nagoya offers a unique fruit-picking experience. It’s not just about the fruits; it’s about the joy of spending time with family, the thrill of the harvest, and the pleasure of tasting the fruits of one’s labor.
Tomomarusan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
