Anyone will tell you that the best time to visit Japan is between March and May, when the delicate cherry blossoms are putting on their most magical show. Ask a seasoned traveler, however, and you might get a different answer. At Galavante, we like to make our way to the Land of the Rising Sun for strawberry season. Strawberry season in Japan is between December and May, so if you time your trip right, you can pick and eat strawberries to your heart’s content and see the much-lauded blossoms. And, of course, we know the best places for your strawberry-filled trip.
Strawberry Picking at JAL Agriport
Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, is simply strawberry-obsessed. Not only does the area have its very own variety of strawberries (CHI-BA+BERRY), but it is also packed with strawberry farms and farmers markets. But there’s one strawberry farm in Chiba that’s extra special: JAL Agriport.
Operated by Japan Airlines (JAL), JAL Agriport grows a variety of fruit and vegetables using sustainable farming methods. Travelers are encouraged to visit and even take part in the harvest (strawberries in winter, and sweet potatoes and blueberries in summer). And because it’s only 10 minutes from Narita airport, you can hop in a taxi and have a strawberry-filled day with the little ones just before flying back home.
At JAL Agriport, the strawberries grow in a large greenhouse and are only available between December and May. There are between six and eight varieties of strawberries growing on site and you can try them all.
JAL Agriport is home to a traditional Japanese restaurant, so while the all-you-can-eat strawberry-picking session is limited to 30 minutes, you can extend your time at the farm by enjoying a meal. Dining Port Goryokaku, as the restaurant is named, serves dishes made from the ingredients grown on the farm and locally in the Chiba prefecture.
Note that you need to make online reservations for both the strawberry-picking activity and the restaurant – at least four days in advance. 30 minutes of strawberry picking costs about $11.50 ( ¥1,800).
What Does Japan Airlines Do With Its Strawberries?
The strawberries that are not picked and eaten by visitors are served to JAL’s first-class passengers. You can try two varieties per flight to compare and contrast which one you like best.
If you can’t make it to Japan, or fly JAL’s first-class cabin, there’s another way to try the airline’s special strawberries: order them online. For just $138 plus shipping, you can try 12 strawberries. Of course, these are only available for a short time.
Other Strawberry Picking Options Around Tokyo
Strawberry season in Japan is long: five months in total. But there’s a place in Tokyo where you can pick strawberries all year around. Tokyo Strawberry Park has temperature-controlled greenhouses where the fruit can be harvested 12 months out of the year.
Head over to pick and enjoy some treats, including juice, cakes, and more made from the huge, perfectly shaped, and juicy strawberries that grow on site.
Tokyo Strawberry Park is open on weekends and during holidays between 10 AM and 4 PM, but reservations are required. It is located in the town of Yokohama, less than two hours from Tokyo’s Shijuku Station.
Another popular spot for picking strawberries around Tokyo is Izu Fruit Park. It is nearly three hours away from Shijuku Station, however, so plan accordingly. Unfortunately, reservations are also required at Izu Fruit Park so you can’t have a spontaneous desire for a fruit-picking session.
Much like at Tokyo Strawberry Park, you’ll be able to pick fruit, buy souvenirs, and enjoy strawberry treats at Izu Fruit Park. On a good, clear day you can see Mt. Fuji from the upstairs restaurant – go take a quick peek between mouthfuls of creamy strawberry desserts.
There are also melons (May-September) and mandarins (September-February) growing at Izu Fruit Park. Sadly though, strawberries are not available throughout the year at Izu Fruit Park — only during the growing season.
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FAQs
Q: When is strawberry season in Japan?
A: Strawberry season in Japan is from December to May.
Q: Where is JAL Agriport?
A: JAL Agriport is located at 〒287-0244 245-1002 Kawakami, Narita, Chiba. It is only a 10-minute drive from Narita Airport.
Q: What is the best time of year to pick strawberries at Tokyo Strawberry Park ?
A: You can pick strawberries at any time at Tokyo Strawberry Park. The fruits grow in greenhouses all year around.
