Fruit Picking Near Tokyo: Complete Guide

The Appeal of Day-Trip Fruit Picking from Tokyo

Just 1-2 hours from Tokyo by train or car, a wonderful variety of seasonal fruit picking spots await. The sweet fragrance of strawberries filling a vinyl greenhouse, biting into a freshly picked peach at a summer orchard, strolling beneath a canopy of grapes heavy on the vine on an autumn afternoon. Getting away from the everyday to spend time in nature, fruit picking makes for the perfect day-trip escape.

The areas around Tokyo offer a wealth of distinctive fruit picking destinations -- from the Kofu Basin in Yamanashi Prefecture to the Chichibu area of Saitama Prefecture, the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, and the Shonan and Atsugi areas of Kanagawa Prefecture. Each region features orchards that make the most of local climate and terrain, offering fruit picking experiences throughout the year.

This guide brings together everything you need to make the most of fruit picking near Tokyo. From area-by-area highlights and seasonal fruit recommendations to essential tips for first-timers, use this guide to plan your perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Tokyo.

Area Guide

Within 1 Hour -- Easy, Close-to-Home Spots

Within Tokyo

Surprisingly close to central Tokyo, there are farms where you can enjoy fruit picking. Nerima, Setagaya, Machida, and Akiruno are among the areas with orchards offering strawberry and blueberry picking. While the scale may be compact, the convenience of being able to hop on a train and go is a real draw.

Saitama Prefecture (Tokorozawa, Koshigaya, and Chichibu)

Saitama Prefecture, just 30 minutes to an hour from central Tokyo by train, has fruit picking spots scattered throughout, with strawberry picking being especially popular. The Tokorozawa and Koshigaya areas have many strawberry farms open from winter through spring, and their easy access from the city center makes them a hit with families. Head a bit farther to the Chichibu area and the selection expands to include grapes and pears alongside strawberries. Tourist orchards line the Chichibu Railway route, and combining fruit picking with Chichibu's scenic beauty and hot springs makes a wonderful day trip.

Kanagawa Prefecture (Yokosuka, Miura, and Atsugi)

The warm Miura Peninsula is popular for strawberry picking, while the Atsugi area is known for blueberry picking. Less than an hour from Tokyo on the Keikyu Line or JR Yokosuka Line, these spots are easy to combine with coastal sightseeing -- tuna dining in Misaki, strolling through Kamakura, and more. Some farms in Atsugi grow over 80 varieties of blueberries, making taste comparisons a highlight.

Within 2 Hours -- A Little Farther for a Richer Experience

Chiba Prefecture (Boso Peninsula and Kujukuri)

Chiba Prefecture's mild climate makes it a thriving region for strawberry cultivation, with many strawberry farms open from December through May. The southern Boso Peninsula -- Tateyama, Minamiboso, Kimitsu -- has a high concentration of strawberry farms, and using the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, you can get there from central Tokyo in about an hour. The Sammu area is known as "Strawberry Road," a dense cluster of strawberry farms perfect for those who want to taste and compare. From summer into autumn, pear and grape picking are also available.

Gunma Prefecture (Numata and Tone)

About 1.5-2 hours from Tokyo via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, the Numata area of Gunma Prefecture is known for its apple and blueberry production. The autumn apple picking season draws plenty of visitors. The high elevation keeps temperatures relatively cool even in summer. A classic plan is to follow apple picking with a relaxing soak at Minakami Onsen or Oigami Onsen. Some farms also offer cherry picking in summer.

Tochigi Prefecture (Moka, Kanuma, and Mashiko)

Tochigi Prefecture, the "Strawberry Kingdom," is a strawberry picking paradise with an impressive lineup of original varieties: Tochiotome, Tochiaiка, and Skyberry, among others. Strawberry farms are concentrated around Moka and Kanuma, with the season running from January through May. The Tohoku Expressway and Kita-Kanto Expressway put it about 1.5-2 hours from Tokyo by car, and the Tobu Line limited express makes train access possible too. Combining strawberry picking with Mashiko pottery experiences or Nikko sightseeing makes for a great trip.

Day-Trip Long Haul -- Into the Heart of Fruit Country

Yamanashi Prefecture (Kofu Basin, Katsunuma, and Fuefuki)

Yamanashi Prefecture is arguably the ultimate fruit picking destination near Tokyo. As a true "fruit kingdom," it offers picking for grapes, peaches, cherries, strawberries, and more -- nearly year-round. Katsunuma in Koshu City is the epicenter of grape production, and during the season you can feast on Shine Muscat and Kyoho grapes hanging from the vine-covered trellises overhead.

From Tokyo, it takes about 90 minutes to Kofu Station or about 80 minutes to Katsunuma Budokyo Station on the JR Chuo Line limited express. By car, it's about 90 minutes via the Chuo Expressway. Fuefuki City is a major peach-growing area, with peach picking available from late June through August. While Yamanashi is entirely doable as a day trip, staying overnight at Isawa Onsen and enjoying another round of fruit picking the next day is also a popular option.

Ibaraki Prefecture (Kasumigaura, Ishioka, and Namegata)

About 1.5-2 hours from Tokyo via the Joban Expressway, southern Ibaraki Prefecture is home to growing regions for pears, grapes, and melons. Kasumigaura City has a thriving grape industry, with grape picking available from summer into autumn. Hokota City is Japan's top melon-producing area, with melon harvest experiences popular from spring through summer. A day trip combining fruit picking with a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Kasumigaura is a great option.

Shizuoka Prefecture (Izu and Hamamatsu)

About 50 minutes from Tokyo by Tokaido Shinkansen (to Mishima Station) or about 2 hours by car via the Tomei Expressway, Shizuoka Prefecture is renowned for strawberry and mandarin orange picking. The Izu Peninsula has a thriving strawberry picking scene from December through May, centered on the Benihoppe variety. Combining Izu hot springs with strawberry picking makes for a fulfilling winter fruit picking getaway. From autumn through winter, mandarin orange picking is also available -- harvesting in a mandarin grove overlooking the sea in the mild climate is a truly special experience.

Seasonal Fruit Recommendations

The areas near Tokyo offer different fruit picking experiences with each season. No matter when you visit, seasonal fruit awaits.

Winter (December-February)

The star of winter fruit picking is strawberries. The season starts in late December, and strawberries grown in the cold months have higher sugar content -- they are said to be at their sweetest. Strawberry farms in Chiba, Saitama, Tochigi, and Shizuoka are all great choices. Since picking takes place inside vinyl greenhouses, it's comfortable even in winter. On the Izu Peninsula, mandarin orange picking is also available -- eating mandarins in the warm winter sun is a treat.

Spring (March-May)

Strawberry picking continues into spring, but from April onward prices tend to drop, making this a great value season. Starting in late May, cherry picking begins in Yamanashi Prefecture, offering an early taste of summer flavors. During Golden Week, some farms in Chiba and Ibaraki also offer melon harvest experiences.

Summer (June-August)

Summer offers the widest selection of fruit picking options. June brings cherries (Yamanashi), July brings blueberries (Kanagawa's Atsugi area, Gunma), and from late July, peach (Yamanashi, Fukushima) and grape (Yamanashi) seasons begin. August is an especially luxurious time when peach and grape picking overlap, and some orchards in Yamanashi even offer "peach and grape double picking" plans.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is the peak season for grape picking. Shine Muscat and Kyoho reach their prime, and the Katsunuma area of Yamanashi draws large crowds. From late September, apple picking (Gunma's Numata area, Nagano) kicks off, and in October, pear picking (Chiba, Ibaraki) is also available. A fruit picking drive combined with autumn foliage is a uniquely enjoyable experience near Tokyo. Some farms also offer persimmon picking and chestnut gathering, making autumn the season to fully indulge in harvest flavors.

First-Time Fruit Picking -- What You Need to Know

Pricing Systems

Fruit picking pricing generally falls into two categories. One is "all-you-can-eat," where you can eat as much as you like within a set time limit. The other is "pick-and-weigh," where you pay based on the weight of the fruit you harvest. All-you-can-eat is the more common option, but pick-and-weigh suits those who want to enjoy just a small amount or take fruit home as souvenirs.

Reservation Tips

Many popular orchards require reservations, and booking early is especially recommended for weekends and holidays. Most orchards accept reservations through their websites or booking platforms like Jalan. When booking, confirm details such as available varieties, whether it's all-you-can-eat or pick-and-weigh, and children's pricing.

Universal Packing List

Here are items that come in handy for any type of fruit picking. Wet wipes (essential -- your hands will get sticky with juice), drinks (orchards can get warm), a towel (for wiping sweat and hands), a hat and sunscreen (for outdoor picking), an insulated bag and ice packs (for taking fruit home), and shoes that can get dirty (orchard ground is often dirt or grass). Having these on hand will keep you comfortable.

Etiquette and Tips

To make fruit picking enjoyable for everyone, there are a few rules of etiquette to follow. Follow the orchard's instructions and stay within designated areas. Only pick what you can eat -- wasting fruit or leaving uneaten portions with an all-you-can-eat plan is considered bad manners. Many orchards prohibit pets, so check ahead of time.

Orchards are places where farmers share the fruit they have devoted great care to growing. Keep their hard work in mind, follow the rules, and enjoy the experience with gratitude.

Access Guide

By Car

Here are approximate driving times from Tokyo to each area. Saitama Prefecture (Tokorozawa and Koshigaya area): about 30-60 minutes. Chiba Prefecture (Boso area): about 60-90 minutes via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. Kanagawa Prefecture (Atsugi and Miura area): about 60-90 minutes. Gunma Prefecture (Numata area): about 90-120 minutes via the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Tochigi Prefecture (Moka and Kanuma area): about 90-120 minutes via the Tohoku Expressway. Yamanashi Prefecture (Katsunuma and Fuefuki area): about 90 minutes via the Chuo Expressway. Ibaraki Prefecture (Kasumigaura area): about 90-120 minutes via the Joban Expressway.

Highways tend to get congested on weekends during fruit picking season, so departing early in the morning or visiting on a weekday is recommended.

By Train

Fruit picking areas with good train access include: Katsunuma Budokyo Station in Yamanashi (JR Chuo Main Line, about 90 minutes from Shinjuku), the Moka area in Tochigi (via the Tobu Line and Moka Railway), and the Chichibu area in Saitama (Seibu Chichibu Line, about 80 minutes from Ikebukuro). Getting from the station to the orchard usually involves a taxi or bus, but some orchards are within walking distance of the station -- checking transportation options ahead of time is a good idea.

Bus Tours

Numerous fruit picking bus tours depart from Tokyo. The appeal of a bus tour is that there's no driving involved, no need to research orchards or plan routes -- you can just show up and go. Many tours also bundle fruit picking with hot spring visits, lunch, and sightseeing stops, making for an efficiently packed day out. Tour prices typically range from 5,000-10,000 yen, with fruit picking admission included in most plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What's the closest fruit picking spot to Tokyo?

There are farms for strawberry picking and blueberry picking right within Tokyo. Places in Nerima and Setagaya are easily accessible by public transit even from within the 23 wards, so starting with a nearby spot is a great first step.

Q. Can you go fruit picking on a rainy day?

Strawberry picking is almost always done inside vinyl greenhouses, so rain is no problem at all. Grape picking and cherry picking can also be done rain-free if you choose an orchard with rain shelters or greenhouses. Peach and apple picking are usually outdoors, so rain requires more caution -- though some orchards do stay open in light rain. Check with the orchard beforehand.

Q. Is it suitable for babies and small children?

Many fruit picking orchards offer free admission for children aged 2-3 and under. Raised-bed strawberry farms often allow strollers inside, making them a comfortable option for families with small children. However, facilities vary by orchard, so it's a good idea to check in advance whether restrooms and diaper-changing areas are available.

Q. What sightseeing can I combine with fruit picking?

Many fruit picking spots near Tokyo are conveniently close to hot springs and popular attractions. In Yamanashi, a popular plan is to follow grape or peach picking with a relaxing soak at Isawa Onsen or Hottarakashi Onsen. In Saitama's Chichibu area, a classic route pairs strawberry picking with Nagatoro river rafting or a visit to Chichibu Shrine. On Chiba's Boso Peninsula, strawberry picking goes well with a coastal drive and a fresh seafood lunch. In Gunma, apple picking pairs beautifully with Minakami Onsen and autumn foliage at Mt. Tanigawa. Planning sightseeing alongside fruit picking really takes a day trip to the next level.

Q. Are there barrier-free orchards?

In recent years, more and more orchards have been designed with accessibility in mind. Raised-bed strawberry farms tend to have flat, wide aisles inside the greenhouse, making them easier to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers. Some flat, trellis-style grape picking orchards are also wheelchair accessible. That said, not all orchards are barrier-free, so it's best to confirm directly with the orchard when making a reservation.