While it may not be something that pops into the mind of many visitors to Japan, fruit picking is a fun, family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed year-round.
I recently visited Pooh's Strawberry Garden (http://gennousya.com, Japanese-only) in Fukuoka, where I got to eat the "Amaou" strawberry, which is a regional specialty. I was also able to sample other varieties of strawberries, such as the "akahoppe," "saga honoka," and "tochi otome." I've never had fruits that were so juicy and sweet until I had the chance to pick them myself!
Of course, as with all places with four seasons, the fruits available change with the season and the prices also vary depending on the fruit, with most operations charging a flat fee for 30-60 minutes of fruit picking and this includes whatever you eat on the premises, plus an additional charge for any extra you want to take with you. For example, I paid 2100 yen per person for 30 minutes of all-you-can eat strawberry picking, with an additional 500 yen/100 grams for any amount I wanted to take home.
While that sounded a little expensive at the time, considering the price of fresh fruits in Japan and the fun, unforgettable experience (plus the delicious fruit!), it was a price well-worth paying. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity and a chance to eat delicious fresh fruit, think about going fruit picking on your next visit to Japan!
For more information about fruit picking, including what fruits may be in season when you visit, check out Japan-guide.com (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2268.html)
Directions to Pooh's Strawberry Garden via train:
- From Hakata Station, catch the 8:41AM JR Kagoshima Line Rapid bound for OMUTA on Track 6 (49 minutes)
- Get off at JR Hainuzuka Station
- Catch Horikawa Bus to BENGARA-MURA
*Specific times are due to the limited number of buses running to Pooh's Strawberry Farm.
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