After the rainy season, it’s finally summer, and summer vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and watermelon are ready for harvest. Also, fruits such as peaches, grapes, figs, pears, apples, persimmons, and more are grown in many parts of Fukuoka Prefecture, especially in the Chikugo area. In this guide, we introduce 9 orchards; some specialize in one fruit, others offer a veritable cornucopia of different fruits! All of these orchards are open to the public for a “pick-your-own” service. Picking your own fruit not only ensures optimum freshness, but it is also a good excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh country air and exercise. We’ll keep adding more fruit-picking spots, so be sure to keep checking back!
Fukuoka’s Fruits
Fukuoka is one of the leading fruit-producing prefectures in all of Japan. In terms of harvest size and production output, Fukuoka is number two in the nation for strawberries and kiwis, and third for persimmons. The fruit production in Fukuoka is primarily concentrated in the southern Chikugo area. The gently sloping hills, excellent water drainage system and exposure to the sun make the cities of Ukiha, Asakura and Kurume excellent places for producing persimmon fruit. Fukuoka is the first prefecture in Japan to produce the slightly larger and sweeter Kyoho grape, with cultivation centered in Kurume, Tanushimaru, Ukiha and Yame. Moreover, Fukuoka was amongst the first to use a new innovative fruit ripening device, using ethylene gas to ripen kiwi fruit. Before shipping, this system made kiwi fruits sweet, delicious, and ready to export to other countries. Of the areas that produce kiwi fruits using this method, Tachibana-machi in Fukuoka is one of the top producers in the country. Fukuoka’s fruit farmers are working hard to continually adapt to the harsh conditions and tricky climate, while also working to come up with new farming methods and breed superior fruit. The concept of opening fruit picking to the public began in Fukuoka in the 1950s, and the practice continues today as an enjoyable event for families and individuals. As the summer heat slowly makes way for cooler autumn breezes, consider visiting one of Fukuoka’s many fruit farms sometime soon.
Fruits Picking Spots in Fukuoka
• Asakura City (1)
• Ukiha City (1)
• Kurume City (3)
• Yame City (1)
• Yanagawa City (1)
• Munakata City (1)
• Buzen City (1)
Asakura City
Ota-noen (太田農園)
With easy access by car from Asakura City, this farm uses clean mineral water from Akitsuki (Asakura City) to cultivate their Kyoho grapes – making them sweet and delicious! The grapevine trellis at the farm is a little lower in height than usual, making the grapes easier to reach for women and children. There are also tables and chairs set up under the leafy grapevine where you can sit and enjoy fresh grapes. Tip: The farm is located about 1 minute by car from the Kamiakizuki traffic lights, driving in towards Egawa Dam, Asakura.
• Open: Aug 16, 2022. ~ Mid-Sep.
• No reservation required
• Closed: Irregular
• Entry: Free
• Parking: 30 spaces
• 1742-2 Kamiakizuki, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• 0946-25-0512
• https://bit.ly/2BcSNt0
Grape (picking)
• Price: Kyoho grapes, Shine Muscat – undecided
Ukiha City
Meika-en (明果園)
The farmers at Meika-en put emphasis on natural cultivation, using organic fertilizer and minimal chemicals. They choose the right land for each crop, so their seasonal fruit farms are spread across a few locations. Enjoy picking peaches (Jul.), pears (Sep. ~ Oct.) Don’t forget to ask for the farm’s address – it’s different for each fruit!
• Open: Jul. 10, 2022 ~ late Oct.
• Hours: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Irregular
• No reservation required
• Entry: Free
• Parking: 30 spaces
• 777-2 Ukiha-machi Miharu, Ukiha City, Fukuoka (inquire for full farm address)
• 090-1196-7500
• https://www.meikaenfruit.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/meikaen.hada/
Peach (picking)
• Season: Jul. 10, 2022 ~ Late Jul. (or as supplies last)
• Price: ¥1,400/kg
Pear (picking)
• Season: Early Sep. ~ Late Oct.
• Price: ¥650/kg
Shunko-en (春光園)
Some of the pear trees at this farm are over 70 years old! Shunko-en is popular with tourists and locals alike for grape and pear picking. The farmers here use tried-and-tested knowledge passed down from generation to generation and carefully selected organic fertilizers; the result is sweet, moreish fruit. You can also enjoy grape juice made from 100% Pione grapes (¥500), and shaved ice made from 100% fresh from the farm strawberries (¥500).
• Open: Jul. 10, 2022 ~ Late Nov.
• Hours: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Irregular
• Entry: Free
• Reservations: Recommended for groups of 15 people or more by phone
• Parking: 30 spaces (free)
• 1481-4 Ukiha-machi Yamakita, Ukiha City, Fukuoka
• 0943-77-4118
• http://shunkoen-ukiha.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/shunkoen15_ukiha/
Grape (picking)
• Season: Jul. 10, 2022 ~ Early Sep.
• Kinds: Seedless, Kyoho (with seeds), Aki Queen, Kogyoku, Goruby, Shine Muscat (from early Aug)
• Price: ¥1,400~¥3,000/kg
Pear (picking)
• Season: Jul. 30, 2022 ~ Early Oct.
• Kinds: Kosui, Hosui, Akizuki, Niitaka, Shinko
• Price: ¥700/kg
Persimmon (picking)
• Season: Late Oct. ~ Late Nov.
• Kinds: Wasefuyugaki, fuyugaki
• Price: ¥600/kg
Kurume City
Eco Farm Yokomizo-en (エコファーム よこみぞ園)
With its relatively warm climate and efficient water filtration system, Minosanroku is the perfect environment in which to raise sweet, delicious figs. Preferring organic methods over chemically-produced fertilizers, the resulting fruit has become an instant hit. In this 8,000 m2 orchard, around 800 trees are raised to cultivate three varieties of figs: Dauphin, Hakata Horai, and Banane. Ripe fruit can be picked until November.
• Open: Aug. 1, 2022. ~ end of Nov.
• Hours: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Never
• Entry: Free (*groups of more than 20: ¥200/person)
• Reservations: Required for groups of 20 or more only (phone up to 10 days in advance)
• Parking: 80 spaces (free)
• 1844 Tanushimaru-machi Masuoda, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• 0943-73-0808
• https://ecofarm-yokomizo.com/
• https://twitter.com/ecofarm_ykmz
Fig (picking)
• Aug. 1, 2022 ~ late Nov.: Dauphin figs, Banane
• Aug 25, 2022 ~ late Nov.: Hakata Horai
Nakano Kajitsuen (中野果実園)
This prolific orchard also (perhaps unsurprisingly) produces the largest number of grapes out of all the orchards in town. At any point in the season, visiting fruit-pickers can enjoy 10 varieties of grapes. Nakano Kajitsuen uses a special homemade compost which is well-suited to growing delicious grapes. From January to early May they also offer strawberries, including the famous Amaou type. If you are not sure which grapes to choose, you can sample each variety.
• Open: Jul. 23, 2022 ~ Early Dec
• Hours: 9:00~18:00 (last entry 17:30)
• Closed: 12/28, 12/31 ~ 1/2
• Entry: Free
• Reservations: Recommended (by web)
• Parking: 8 spaces, and 1 space for a large-size vehicle (free)
• 343 Tanushimaru-machi Ishikaki, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• 080-8853-1864
• http://www.nakanokajitsuen.jp/
Grape (picking)
• Season: Jul. 23, 2022.~ end of Sep.
• Kinds: Kyoho, Aki Queen, Shine Muscat, Ryuho, Red Queen, Rosario Bianco, Manicure Finger, Pizzutello Bianco etc.
• Price: from Aug. 1 ¥1,500~/kg
Persimmon (picking)
• Season: Late Oct. ~ Early Dec.
• Price: ¥650/kg (Fuyugaki)
Fruits Farm Juran (フルーツファーム樹蘭)
With its noticeably larger size and sweet taste, Kyoho is the king of Japanese grapes. Tanushimaru is well known throughout Japan as the first successful location for a full-blown Kyoho grape cultivation, as well as the town that started grape and persimmon fruit-picking in Japan. The 2,000 m2 orchard grows several varieties of grapes, including Kyoho and Shine Muscat, all available for plucking until the end of September. Rather than using chemically-produced fertilizers, all fruit is cultivated organically for a sweet, unforgettable taste. The café located inside the farm, a couple of minutes’ drive away, is now open as “Fleur”, a restaurant under direct management. Visitors can enjoy crepes and cakes made with fruits from the farm.
• Open: Aug. 16, 2022 ~ Late Sep.
• Hours: 9:00~18:00
• Closed: Never (Aug. ~ Sep.)
• Entry: Free
• Reservations: Required for groups of 10 or more only (phone)
• Parking: 6 spaces, 2nd parking lot: 20 spaces (free)
• 482-1 Ishigaki, Tanushimaru-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• 0943-72-4528
• http://www.juran-fruit.com/farm.html
Grape (picking)
• Season: Aug. 16, 2022 ~ Late Sep.
• Kinds: Kyoho, Shine Muscat
• Price: Kyoho ¥1,200~/kg, Shine Muscat ¥2,500~/kg
• Take away: ¥1,500/kg
Yame City
Hirai Kanko Farm (平井観光農園)
You can pick strawberries and tomatoes here between January to May, and grapes in summer so there is usually something to pick all year round. Grape picking begins in late August, with the harvesting of Queen Nina grapes and Shine Muscat grapes, with tasting included!
• Open: Aug. 25, 2022 ~ Late Sep.
• Hours: 10:00~16:00
• Closed: Tue., Wed.
• Reservation: Required (phone or web)
• Entry: Free
• Additional facilities: Farmer’s market
• Parking: 50 spaces (Free)
• 54 Mukaide, Yoshida, Yame City, Fukuoka
• 080-4279-7716
• https://hirai-tourist-farm.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/hirainouen/
Grape (picking)
• Season: Aug. 25, 2022. ~ Late Sep.
Kinds: Queen Nina
• Price: Adult ¥600, 4 y.o. ~ ES ¥400 (incl. sampling), free for under 3 y.o. / take away: ¥2,500~/kg
Kinds: Shine Muscat
• Price: ¥3,500 (incl. sampling, two bunches of grapes and Amao strawberry ice cream)
Yanagawa City
Yanagawa Kanko Grape Farm (柳川観光ぶどう園)
This vineyard is built on reclaimed land facing the Ariake Sea. The grapes grow from soil rich in salt and minerals which make them extra sweet! Aside from grape-picking, you can also enjoy other local workshops such as nori (edible seaweed) making at the nearby multipurpose hall and camping ground, Mutsugoro Land. It’s also an excellent spot for sunset viewing.
• Open: Aug. 10, 2022 ~ Aug. 31, 2022. *After Aug. 15, grape picking is available only on Fri., Sat., and Sun.
• Hours: 8:30~11:30
• Closed: Aug. 22 and 29, 2022
• Reservations: Required (phone or web)
• 512-1 Hashimoto-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka
• 0944-72-0819 (Yanagawa Mutsugoro Land Office)
• https://ariake-mutsugoro.jp/
• https://www.facebook.com/ariakemutsugoro/
Grape (picking)
• Picking Experience Date: Aug. 10~14, 19~21, 26~28
• Kinds: Kyoho
• Price: ¥1,200/kg
Grape (sales)
Aug. 8~31 10:00~16:00
Yanagawa Mutsugoro Land (389 Hashimoto-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka)
Munakata City
Taiyo-en (太陽園みかん狩り園)
For both Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City residents, Taiyo-en is the closest fruit farm in this guide–located just an hour out of Fukuoka City in Mochiyama (Munakata City) and surrounded by beautiful nature. Open during mikan orange season (Oct. ~ Dec.), the farm offers rain-or-shine fruit picking. If the weather turns bad while you’re outside on the farm, you can move your fruit picking expedition to the greenhouse! The farm grows various types of mikan, which can be peeled easily with your fingers, and are juicy, soft, and rarely have seeds. Noticeably different from the usual mikan you can buy at the supermarket. Organic fertilizer is used. Parking available too, and you can take a full bag of oranges home for just ¥1,200!
• Open: Early Oct. 2022 ~ Late Dec.
• Hours: 9:00~16:00 (Reception is until 15:30)
• Additional facilities: Farmer’s store (9:00~17:00)
• Closed: Never (during open season, subject to change pending conditions)
• Entry: Free
• Reservations: Required for groups of 20 or more only (phone)
• Parking: 30 spaces (free)
• 411-16 Mochiyama, Munakata City, Fukuoka
• 0940-37-2957
• https://taiyouen.net/
• https://www.facebook.com/taiyouen.jp/
Mikan (picking)
• Season: Early Oct. ~ Late Dec.
• Price: Large bag (approx. 3kg) ¥1,200, small bag (approx. 1.5kg) ¥600
Buzen City
Buzen Fruits Land (ぶぜんフルーツランド)
Located about an hour and forty minutes from Fukuoka City by car, this farm is open year-round: you can pick grapes (mid-Aug. ~ late Sep.), chestnuts (mid-Sep. ~ early Oct.), clementines (mid-Oct. ~ late Nov.), and even try your hand at digging sweet potatoes (early Sep. ~ mid-Nov.)! BBQ facilities available when booked in advance (¥2,000 per person, incl. set of Wagyu beef, jidori chicken, sausage, veggies, and two pcs. of onigiri). The farm is scheduled to open after Obon holidays in 2022. (mid-Aug.~) Please call to confirm before visiting.
• Open: mid-Aug. 2022 ~ Mid Nov.
• Hours: 9:00~16:30 (last entry 16:00)
• Closed: Irregular
• Entry: ¥300
• Reservations: Required (phone), reservations are not accepted for chestnut picking and potato digging.
• Parking: 30 spaces (free)
• 2024-31 Oaza Shiromaru, Buzen City, Fukuoka
• 0979-83-4622
• http://www.buzenfruitland.com
Grape (picking)
• Season: mid-Aug. ~ Late Sep.
• Kinds: Pione, Sunshine muscat, Queen Nina
• Price: ¥1,200~¥1,500/kg (take away)
Chestnut (picking)
• Season: Mid-Sep. ~ Early Oct.
• Price: ¥700/kg (take away)
Sweet potato (picking)
• Season: Early Sep. ~ Mid-Nov.
• Kinds: Beniharuka
• Price: ¥1,000/area (2 m, take away)
Mikan (picking)
• Season: Early Oct. ~ Late Nov.
• Kinds: Wase
• Price: ¥400/1,5kg bag, ¥700/3 kg bag (take away)
–––––
Originally written in Jul. 2016, updated in Aug. 2022.
Copyright Fukuoka Now – including all text, photos and illustrations. Permission required to re-use in any form. Meanwhile, feel free to link to to this page.
NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in Jul. 2016.
