When you think of winter in Japan, many people may think of snowy landscapes, hot springs, and hot pot dishes. However, there is another special, jewel-like pleasure to enjoy in winter in Japan: the incredibly sweet and juicy strawberry!

Japanese strawberries are known for their beauty and deliciousness, astounding people all over the world. And "strawberry picking" is the opportunity to pick and eat these delicious strawberries yourself.

In this article, we will introduce in an easy-to-understand manner the exquisite strawberry picking experiences that can be enjoyed from winter to spring in Japan, as well as the many unique strawberry varieties that can be found at the many farms.

Come and explore Japan's fascinating world of strawberries with us!

The appeal of strawberry picking: a uniquely Japanese experience and hospitality

Strawberry picking is an activity where you enter a greenhouse (a heated building) on a farm, pick as many strawberries as you like within a time limit, and eat as many as you like on the spot.

1. The freshness of freshly picked produce is exceptional!

Strawberries sold at supermarkets are delicious, but the taste of ripe strawberries that you pick yourself is something else!

• Sweetness: The strawberries are exposed to plenty of sunlight and are at their best in the fields, making them surprisingly sweet.

• Aroma: The moment you enter the greenhouse, you are enveloped in the sweet and gentle scent of strawberries, which makes you feel happy.

• Warmth: Even in winter, the greenhouse is warm, making it feel like spring. The contrast between eating a cold dessert in a warm place during the cold season is irresistible.

2. The farm's hospitality

Japanese farms have many creative ideas to ensure that everyone has a pleasant strawberry picking experience.

• Elevated cultivation: In many farms, strawberries are grown on racks at waist height, rather than on the ground. This is a thoughtful gesture that allows people in wheelchairs, children, and the elderly to enjoy strawberry picking without having to bend over, which keeps clothes clean and makes it easier for them to enjoy the experience.

• Cleanliness: The house is always kept clean and tidy, making it a comfortable place to live.

3. The "particularities" of Japanese farmers

Japanese farmers grow each and every strawberry with love and care. They aim to produce strawberries of the highest quality, both in appearance and taste, that are like works of art and can be proud of around the world. This careful work and artisanal spirit are one of the charms of Japan.

Things you need to know! A thorough comparison of Japan's most popular strawberry varieties

There are so many varieties of strawberries in Japan. Each farm grows different varieties, so it's fun to check them out beforehand! Here we'll introduce some particularly well-known and popular varieties.

Japan's representative varieties and their characteristics

1. Tochiotome

• Main production area (hometown): Tochigi Prefecture

• Taste characteristics: An excellent balance of sweetness and sourness. A typical Japanese flavor that everyone will find delicious.

• Appearance: Beautiful red color and well-formed.

• Recommended for: People who want to enjoy the classic strawberry flavor. If you're not sure what to choose, this is the one to go for.

2. Amaou

• Main production area (hometown): Fukuoka Prefecture

• Taste characteristics: The name is derived from the initials of "sweet," "round," "big," and "delicious." They are characterized by their very large size and strong sweetness.

• Appearance: Very large, plump and gorgeous in appearance.

• Recommended for: Recommended for those who want to enjoy a large, luxuriously sweet treat.

3. Benihoppe

• Main production area (hometown): Shizuoka Prefecture

• Taste characteristics: Sweet with just the right amount of acidity, it has a deep, rich flavor. It is also satisfying to eat.

• Appearance: It is characterized by its red color all the way through to the flesh.

• Recommended for: Recommended for those who want a strong flavor and aren't satisfied with just sweetness.

4. Kirapika

• Main production area (hometown): Shizuoka Prefecture

• Taste characteristics: It has an elegant and gorgeous aroma and a clear sweetness. It is rich in juice.

• Appearance: The outside is so shiny that it appears to be shining brightly.

• Recommended for: Recommended for those who value both beautiful appearance and a pleasant fragrance.

5. Skyberry

• Main production area (hometown): Tochigi Prefecture

• Taste characteristics: This high-quality variety has the perfect combination of size, beauty, and deliciousness. It has little acidity and a gentle sweetness.

• Appearance: Very large and has a beautiful cone shape.

• Recommended for: Those who want a premium experience on a special occasion.

6. White Strawberry (Snow Rabbit, Light Snow, etc.)

• Main production area (hometown): Various regions

• Taste characteristics: Varies depending on the variety, but they have little acidity and a very gentle sweetness.

• Appearance: As the name suggests, the skin and interior are pure white. This is a very rare variety.

• Recommended for: People looking for a unique experience and strawberries that look great on social media.

Recommended Strawberry Picking Farm Areas: Combine them with your Japan Trip!

There are places all over Japan where you can enjoy strawberry picking, but here we will introduce some popular areas that are particularly easy to visit.

1. Excellent access from the metropolitan area!

• Chiba Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture: There are many large strawberry farms within a day's trip from Tokyo by train or bus. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a casual Japanese experience.

2. Enjoy the hot springs and nature!

• Shizuoka Prefecture: The Izu Peninsula area, in particular, has a warm climate and abundant nature, allowing high-quality strawberries to grow. You can enjoy a luxurious trip, staying at a hot spring inn and picking strawberries the next day. The area is also famous as the birthplace of "Benihoppe" and "Kirapika."

3. On a journey through history and culture!

• Kansai Region: Shiga Prefecture and Nara Prefecture, both easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka, also have delicious farms. After sightseeing around the old temples and townscapes, it would be interesting to experience modern Japanese agricultural techniques.

4. Strawberry Kingdom: Tochigi Prefecture

• Tochigi Prefecture: This is truly the "strawberry kingdom," producing many popular varieties, including the aforementioned "Tochiotome" and "Skyberry." This is the perfect place for strawberry lovers who want to taste and compare many varieties.

Easy tips to make strawberry picking 100 times more fun

Don't worry if it's your first time picking strawberries! Here are some friendly advice to help you have even more fun.

1. Don't forget to make a reservation! Popular farms and weekends tend to fill up quickly. Many strawberry picking spots in Japan require reservations, so be sure to make a reservation online or by phone in advance before you go.

2. Dress simply: It's warm inside the greenhouse, so we recommend wearing a jacket that's easy to put on and take off. Your clothes may get dirty from strawberry leaves, so choose clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

3. You don't need to bring much with you: When you go strawberry picking, farms will usually provide you with condensed milk and cups to put the stems in. If you just bring a drink, you can wash it down and enjoy eating lots of strawberries.

4. How to eat them: When picking strawberries, gently snap the stem just above the stem with your fingers to remove them cleanly. The ones that are red all the way to the stem are the most ripe and delicious!

Ichigo IchiE https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/661398cf99c9f

summary

Strawberry picking in Japan is not just about eating fruit; it's a wonderful activity that allows you to experience Japan's agricultural techniques, hospitality, and beautiful food culture.

Winter in Japan is made that much more charming by the presence of these sweet and juicy gems.

If you are traveling to Japan, be sure to try the ultimate "happy experience" of picking sparkling red strawberries with your own hands in a warm greenhouse and tasting them on the spot.

I hope this experience will make your memories of Japan even sweeter and more enjoyable!

The queen of seasonal fruits: Sweetest ever! Check out these delicious ways to eat winter mandarins (mikan)

https://tenposstar.com/articles/r/3884