Late autumn and winter in Japan signal the much-anticipated orange season, a period when the nation’s fondness for these citrus fruits shines. The spotlight is on the Satsuma Oranges, or “mikan” in Japanese, originating from the modern Satsuma Prefecture. These are small, seedless, and exceptionally sweet oranges.
Harvesting in Aichi and nearby regions starts in October and continues until December, with November being the perfect month for orange picking. This “experience” tourism allows you to savor these fruits on the spot and bring some home.
Mikan picking typically doesn’t require reservations. However, some farms also provide additional features like BBQ sets, which you need to book in advance. Here are some notable farms for a delightful orange-picking experience, complete with their updated contact details and websites:
Mt Togoku Fruits Park, Nagoya – Map
Website: www.fruitpark.org
Contact: 052-736-3344
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and from Dec 29-Jan 3)
2110 Togoku, Kamishidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 463-0001 – Map
Gamagori Orange Park
Website: www.orepa.jp
Contact: 0533-68-2321
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Gamagori City, Seida-cho, Ogurimi1-93 蒲郡市清田町小栗見1-93 – Map
Joyful Farm U-no-ike
Website: www.joyful-f.jp
Contact: 0569-87-6069
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Daily
Chita Gun, Mihama-cho, Kaminoma aza-nakashinden 10 知多郡美浜町大字上野間字中新田10 – Map
Utsumi Fruits Mura (Tanakaen)
Website: www.rurubu.com
Contact: 0569-62-2430
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daily
Minamichita-cho, Utsumi, Okusuzugatani 70南知多町内海字奥鈴ケ谷70 – Map
Suzugatanien Orange Orchard
Website: www.rurubu.com
Contact: 0569-62-1497
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily
Minamichita-cho, Oaza-utsumi, Aza-oku-suzugatani 70-18 南知多町大字内海字奥鈴ケ谷70−18 – Map
Embrace the joy of the season by visiting these farms, where picking fresh mikans merges with the serene beauty of Japan’s countryside.
Tomomarusan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
