Yoichi Fruit Picking Guide 2026 | Orchard Comparison, Monthly Seasons and Booking
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Yoichi is one of Hokkaido's leading fruit-growing areas. Starting with strawberries and moving on to cherries, grapes and apples, you can enjoy fruit picking over a long season from May to November. This article compares prices, booking methods and access for the main tourist orchards in Yoichi, and sorts out the best season for each fruit.
Yoichi fruit calendar: what to enjoy each season
In Yoichi the fruit you can pick changes from spring to autumn. Check which fruits you can enjoy at the time of your visit.
| Fruit | Approx. season | Main orchards |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Early May–mid-August | Nitori Kanko Kajuen (reservation required) |
| Cherries | Late June–early August | Nitori Kanko Kajuen, Nakai Kanko Noen, Murata Orchard |
| Blueberries | July–August | Nitori Kanko Kajuen |
| Plums and prunes | August–September | Nitori Kanko Kajuen, Nakai Kanko Noen |
| Peaches and nectarines | August–September | Nitori Kanko Kajuen, Nakai Kanko Noen |
| Grapes | Early September–mid-October | Nitori Kanko Kajuen, Nakai Kanko Noen, Saito Kanko Noen |
| Pears | September–October | Nitori Kanko Kajuen, Nakai Kanko Noen |
| Apples | Mid-September–early November | Nitori Kanko Kajuen, Nakai Kanko Noen |
Each orchard's season varies from year to year. Check the actual start and end dates directly with each orchard before your visit.
Source: Yoichi Tourism Association https://yoichi-kankoukyoukai.com/taiken/ (checked 2026-06-02)
Nitori Kanko Kajuen (formerly Yamamoto Kanko Kajuen): many varieties, no time limit
Nitori Kanko Kajuen grows the most varieties of any fruit-picking orchard in Yoichi. From strawberries to chestnuts and walnuts, you can pick fruit in turn from mid-June to early November.
Basic information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0135-23-6251 |
| Hours | 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00; shop last order 16:30) |
| Official website | https://www.fruits-nitori.jp/guide.html |
Prices (tax included)
| Course | Adults (junior high and up) | Elementary school | Small children (3–5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry picking (30 min all you can eat) | ¥2,800 | ¥2,000 | ¥900 |
| Fruit picking (no time limit) | ¥2,000 | ¥1,500 | ¥700 |
| Cherry picking course | ¥2,500 | ¥2,200 | — |
| Whole autumn course (no time limit + 2 kg to take home) | ¥2,500 | ¥2,200 | — |
- Strawberry picking requires a reservation (phone: 0135-23-6251)
- No reservation needed for fruit picking for individuals
- Groups of 15 or more and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) meals need advance reservations
Fruits and features
The range is wide: strawberries, cherries (including premium varieties such as Nanyo and Beni Shuho), blueberries, plums, peaches, prunes, grapes, pears, apples, chestnuts and walnuts. The fruit-picking course has no time limit, so you can take your time.
The start date for each fruit in 2026 varies by year. Check the official website or call (0135-23-6251) before your visit＊.
Source: Nitori Kanko Kajuen official website https://www.fruits-nitori.jp/guide.html (checked 2026-06-02)
Nakai Kanko Noen: views and fully ripe fruit
Nakai Kanko Noen is known for its location overlooking the Sea of Japan and the town of Yoichi. You can pick fully ripe fruit grown with organic fertilizer.
Basic information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1383 Noboricho, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido |
| Phone | 0135-22-2565 |
| Hours | 9:00–16:30 |
| Closed | Thursdays (open on national holidays) |
| Official website | https://www.nakaikanko.com/ |
Varieties include cherries, apples, grapes, prunes, pears and nectarines. With good views from the hilltop, it suits anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery along with fruit picking.
Prices, season start dates and booking methods for 2026 vary by year. Call (0135-22-2565) or check the official website before your visit＊.
Source: Nakai Kanko Noen official website https://www.nakaikanko.com/ (checked 2026-06-02)
Murata Orchard: mainly cherries
Murata Orchard focuses on cherry picking, and also offers grapes, blueberries, prunes and more. In 2025, the cherry season ran from June 27 to July 26, with reception from 9:00 to 16:00.
| Category | Price (2025, tax included) |
|---|---|
| Junior high school and up | ¥1,000 |
| Elementary school | ¥800 |
| Age 3 to under elementary school | ¥500 |
| Under 3 | Free |
No reservation is needed for cherry picking for individuals (groups need a reservation). It also sells fruit at its farm stand.
The exact opening date and prices for 2026 may change. Please check directly with the orchard＊.
Reference: official website http://www.murata-orchard.com/
Saito Kanko Noen: a vineyard within walking distance of JR Yoichi Station
Saito Kanko Noen is about a 10-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station. It focuses on grape picking, and its farm stand also sells apples, prunes and more.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0135-22-3626 |
| Season | Mid-September–mid-October (grapes) |
| Features | Grape picking where you eat one grape at a time; farm stand |
Check prices and reception hours directly with the orchard before your visit＊.
Orchard comparison: choosing by purpose
| Orchard | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Nitori Kanko Kajuen | Many varieties, no time limit, from age 3 | Families, first-time fruit pickers |
| Nakai Kanko Noen | Sea of Japan views, fully ripe fruit | Enjoying the scenery as well |
| Murata Orchard | Reasonably priced cherries | Casually enjoying just cherries |
| Saito Kanko Noen | Near the station, grapes only | No car; mainly want grapes |
Access and tips for visiting
Nitori Kanko Kajuen and Nakai Kanko Noen are some distance from JR Yoichi Station, so a car or taxi is convenient. Saito Kanko Noen is within walking distance of the station, making it easy to combine with a JR trip.
Weekends in cherry season (late June to mid-July) can be crowded. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday is more comfortable.
A one-day plan combining summer fruit picking with a Nikka distillery tour is also popular. The classic course is the distillery in the morning and an orchard in the afternoon. For details, see also Otaru and Yoichi One-Day Model Course (by train).
Further reading
Access and maps
You can check the locations of the main orchards on the map.
The location of Nitori Kanko Kajuen. It grows the most varieties in Yoichi.
The location of Nakai Kanko Noen. It's known for its view over the Sea of Japan.
The location of Saito Kanko Noen, a grape farm about a 10-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station.
The location of JR Yoichi Station, the starting point for getting to the orchards.
The location of Michi-no-Eki Space Apple Yoichi, which also houses Yoichi's tourist information center.
FAQ
When can you go cherry picking in Yoichi?
The cherry season is roughly late June to early August. Early July, when both varieties and quantity are plentiful, is especially popular. The season shifts from year to year, so check directly with each orchard before your visit.
Do you need to book fruit picking in Yoichi?
Strawberry picking at Nitori Kanko Kajuen requires a reservation. For cherries and general fruit picking, many orchards don't require a reservation for individuals, but groups of 15 or more and some menus do. It differs by orchard, so we recommend checking before your visit.
Can you enjoy fruit picking with children?
Nitori Kanko Kajuen has courses open to children aged 3 and up, and its no-time-limit, all-you-can-eat course is popular with families. Every orchard has prices for elementary school children and small children.
How do you get to Yoichi's fruit orchards?
The orchards are some distance from JR Yoichi Station, so a car or taxi is convenient. Saito Kanko Noen, about a 10-minute walk from JR Yoichi Station, is one of the easiest to reach.
In which months can you pick grapes?
The grape season is roughly early September to mid-October. Sightseeing courses combining it with winery visits are popular for autumn trips. The season shifts from year to year, so check with the orchard before your visit.
Summary
Fruit picking in Yoichi lasts a long season, from strawberries in May to apples in November. Nitori Kanko Kajuen is popular with families for its many varieties and no time limit, while Nakai Kanko Noen is loved for its views and fully ripe fruit.
Each orchard's prices, start dates and booking methods vary by year. Always check the latest information on each orchard's official website or by phone before your visit.
Items marked * (prices, opening hours, etc.) may change. Please check the latest information on each official website before you go.