1. Yoichi fruit picking season

The fruit-picking season in Yoichi generally runs from May to November. It usually starts around the time the cherry blossoms bloom and ends for the year when the mountains begin to change color. In Hokkaido, where temperatures are low and snowfall is frequent, fruit picking can only be enjoyed for six months, from early summer to autumn.

1-1. June to August: Strawberries and cherries

While strawberries are generally considered a spring delicacy, in Yoichi they are in season from June to July. Because winters in Hokkaido are long, the opportunity to enjoy sweet strawberries in early summer is a major draw. Furthermore, June has low rainfall and pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit Hokkaido.

As July arrives, cherries become available for fruit picking. Yoichi is known as one of Hokkaido's leading cherry-producing areas, and you can enjoy various varieties, including Suimon and Sato Nishiki. The sight of bright red cherries ripening on the trees is a characteristic scene of early summer in Yoichi.

1-2. August-September: Peaches and plums

Yoichi's peaches are a hidden gem. These juicy, fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth ripe peaches are available for fruit picking from August to mid-September. In particular, the "Akatsuki" variety, which comes into season in late August, boasts a high sugar content and an addictive taste that will have you coming back for more.

In addition, as summer reaches its peak, plums and grapes also come into season, allowing you to enjoy several fruits at once. Enjoying a refreshing summer breeze while quenching your thirst with fruit is a truly blissful moment.

1-3. September-October: Japanese pears and apples

The orchards are at their busiest during the early autumn season, from September to October. Autumn fruits such as Japanese pears and apples are added all at once. There are so many varieties that the recommended flavors change depending on when you visit, which makes it quite interesting.

Yoichi, in particular, is a leading producer of apples from Hokkaido. The large, bright red apples that hang heavily on the trees have a wonderful taste and aroma, symbolizing Yoichi's rich climate.

Mid-September is the perfect time to enjoy perfectly ripe peaches as well. It also coincides with the peak of autumn foliage in Daisetsuzan and the peak season at Biei Shikisai-no-Oka, making it a great time to combine with a road trip.

2. One-point advice for choosing an orchard

Yoichi has many orchards scattered throughout the area, so here are a few tips on how to choose the right fruit.

First, if you want to enjoy a variety of fruits, it's best to choose an orchard where you can eat as many fruits as you like for a flat fee, rather than one where there are separate charges for each type of fruit.

Recommended orchards include Nitori Tourist Farm in Yoichi Town and Fruit House Anzakien in Niki Town (where you can pick anything you want in the fall).

Nitori Tourist Farm
Autumn All-You-Can-Eat Pick-Your-Own Course: Adults ¥2,300
(Apples, pears, grapes, plums, prunes, and chestnuts are all included in the orchard. Unlimited time, all-you-can-eat, and 2kg of fruit to pick.)

Fruit House Anzakien
Autumn All-Purpose Hunting: Adults ¥1,000
(Late September onwards. Takeaway orders incur an additional charge.)

On the other hand, if you have a specific fruit in mind, such as the "Senryo pear" which originated in Yoichi, or the ever-popular "Akatsuki" peach, it's recommended to choose an orchard that cultivates that fruit.

For reference, the estimated prices are as follows.
Strawberry picking: Adults ¥1,000, Children ¥800
Cherry picking: Adults ¥1,000, Children ¥800
Blueberry picking: Adults ¥600, Children ¥500
Grape picking: Adults ¥700, Children ¥600
Apple picking: Adults ¥600, Children ¥500

The Niki Town Tourism Association's website features links to many orchards, so be sure to check it out. It also lists orchards offering fruit picking based on price ranges and type of fruit, making it easy to plan your trip.
https://www.niki-kanko.jp/fruit/

3. Let's create delicious and fun memories by going fruit picking!

How was it? This time, we introduced "fruit picking," an experience you can have in Yoichi, Hokkaido.

When you think of Hokkaido, of course, the magnificent natural scenery is wonderful, but the flavors you taste there are also things that you'll remember forever. I myself can't forget the refreshing deliciousness of the "Akatsuki" apples I tasted at Nitori Tourist Orchard.

Visiting with family or a partner is sure to create wonderful travel memories that you can share forever. Why not try fruit picking during your next trip to Hokkaido?

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