Strawberry picking: Visitors can experience "strawberry picking," where they can harvest strawberries themselves, choosing each one and eating them on the spot.
Season: It takes place from winter to spring (mainly from January to May), but some strawberry farms offer year-round enjoyment through greenhouse cultivation.
Varieties: Various strawberry varieties are cultivated, with differences in sweetness, acidity, fruit texture, and size. Some well-known varieties include Tochiotome (well-balanced sweetness and acidity), Amaou (large and sweet), Mouhitorijime (high sugar content and small fruit), and Beni Hoppe (strong acidity).
Pricing: Fees may be set as all-you-can-eat within a certain time frame (e.g., 30 or 60 minutes) or based on the weight of harvested strawberries, with discounted rates sometimes available for children and seniors.
Reservation system: Some strawberry farms may require advance reservations to avoid overcrowding, and group bookings or events may be offered. Reservations can often be made by phone or online.
On-site facilities: Strawberry farms provide facilities such as restrooms, hand-washing stations, and rest areas where visitors can relax or enjoy light snacks after strawberry picking. There may also be dessert and juice sales using strawberries, as well as souvenir shops.
Famous prefectures
Tochigi Prefecture: One of Japan's leading strawberry-producing areas, the name "Tochiotome" is derived from "Tochigi." Tochiotome is a popular variety with a well-balanced sweetness and acidity.
Fukuoka Prefecture: The name "Amaou" comes from the initial letters of "Fukuoka-produced, natural, deep red, large, and delicious." Amaou is characterized by its large size, sweetness, and firm flesh.
Shizuoka Prefecture: Shizuoka Prefecture is known for its active development of strawberry varieties, such as "Beni Hoppe" and "Sagahonoka." Strawberries from Shizuoka Prefecture are known for their freshness and rich flavor.
Chiba Prefecture: Chiba Prefecture is popular for its strawberry picking spots in the vicinity of Tokyo. The main variety cultivated is "Chiba-produced Mouhitorijime," characterized by its high sugar content, small size, and delicious taste.
In these regions, strawberry picking is utilized as a tourist resource, with many strawberry farms. Unique strawberry varieties are cultivated in each region, allowing visitors to enjoy their distinct characteristics. Strawberry picking is enjoyed by a wide range of age groups, including families, friends, and couples.