Autumn is here, which means it’s harvest time in Japan. Fukuoka Prefecture boasts many areas with beautiful, bountiful fruit orchards. On the following pages we introduce six orchards, each specializing in a different variety of fruit. 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 some country fresh-air and exercise. Then, for those who prefer not to get their hands dirty, but wish to enjoy the wholesome taste of country-style cooking, we also introduce two restaurants located in Fukuoka Prefecture’s countryside. Autumn is said to be the season when people’s appetites return, so itadakimasu and enjoy farm fresh produce!
Fukuoka is one of the leading fruit-producing prefectures in all of Japan. In terms of harvest size and production output, Fukuoka is number one in the nation for Fuyu-gaki persimmons, number two for kiwis, and third for Kyoho grapes. 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. Also, 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 sweet, delicious, and ready to export to other countries. Of the areas that produce kiwi using this method, Tachibana-machi in Fukuoka is the top producer 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. Recently, fruits previously found in only tropical regions such as mango and dragon fruit have become possible to grow in Fukuoka. 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 the Fukuoka’s many fruit farms sometime soon.
Pears
Ukiha Kajuno Mura Yamandon
Within Ukiha, a fruit-growing town since the Taisho period (early 20th century), is an area that is often called “the origin of the fruit tree”. Fruit is grown throughout the year, including strawberries (Jan. ~ Jun.), blueberries (Jul.), grapes (Aug. ~ Oct.), pears (Aug. ~ Nov.), persimmons (Nov. ~ Dec.), and more. For pears, September is the golden month, when the sunlight is beaming down and spring water is drawn from 90m below the surface of the soil, producing sweet, juicy pears. At Mugoyoka, a quaint café overlooking the plantation, enjoy a taste of the orchard’s ripe fruit in one of their baked goods, such as the cake made from fresh-picked pears.
Address: 2212-7 Yamakita, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City | Telephone: 0943-77-4174 | Open: Mid-Aug. to early-Nov., 10:00 ~ 17:00 | Closed: No Hol. in Sep., Wed. in Oct. and Nov. | Parking: 30 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥600/kg | URL: www.yamandon.com
Kyoho Grapes
Nakano Housei-en
With its noticeably larger size and sweet taste, Kyoho is the king of 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 Kyoho, Aki Queen and Honey Red varieties of grapes, 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. Visit the café, Juran, at the entrance of the plantation to taste the popular homemade custard pie and jam made with Kyoho grapes and figs. This warm-hearted family business will capture your hearts, as well as your stomach!
Address: 482-1 Ishigaki, Tanushimaru-machi, Kurume City | Telephone: 0943-72-4528 | Open: Aug. to late-Sep., 08:00 ~ 18:00 | Closed: Never | Parking: 10 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥900/kg | URL: www.tanushimaru-budougari.com/en_pages/en24_juran.html
Figs
Eco Farm Yokomizo-en
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 1,000 m2 orchard, around one hundred trees are raised to cultivate Hakata Hourai and Dauphin, two varieties of figs. Ripe fruit can be picked until October.
Apples
Asakura Ringo-en
This 5,000 m2 orchard holds around 800 apple trees, from which you can pick a variety of different apples until November. Using rice bran fertilizer to organically cultivate all plants, the trees raised in this Chikugo plain have a high level of sugar content to fit the hot climate. During fruit-picking season, the apple pies and hand-squeezed 100% apple juice are extremely popular.
Address: 1112-1 Hishino, Asakura City | Telephone: 0946-52-0374 | Open: Mid-Aug. to Nov., 09:00 ~ 17:00 | Closed: Never | Parking: 35 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥650/kg
Kiwi
Omichidani no Sato
Tachibana-machi in Yame-gun is a small country-town that boasts one of the top kiwi production outputs in the country. In Shiraki-ku, a section of the city encircling a mountain, kiwi fruit cover giant sections of the sloping plains. Experience a taste of the country-life by spending a night on the farm, which opens for sightseeing and personal fruit-picking in late October. Also, receive a 1kg kiwi omiyage for the ride home!
Address: 4578-1 Shiraki, Tachibana-machi, Yame-gun | Telephone: 0943-35-0760 | Open: Late-Oct. to Nov., (irregular business hours) | Closed: Never | Parking: 10 spaces | Entrance: ¥500 (1kg of kiwi incl.) | Fruit: ¥300/kg | Lodging: One night, morning and evening (2 meals incl.), Adult ¥6,000, Child 4,000 | URL: www.omitidaninosato.com
Dragon Fruit
Anri Farm
Even more surprising than the fact that dragon fruit are harvested in Fukuoka, is that anybody can participate in dragon fruit picking! Many imported dragon fruit are not in a fully ripe state, but here in this 1,000 m2 garden there are around 500 dragon fruit trees, with fruit ripe and ready for plucking. There are two types of dragon fruit: white and red. At the nearby plantation-run shop try a cup of dragon fruit gelato! Advance reservation is required.
Address: 3 Nanatue, Yanagawa City | Telephone: 0944-73-8120 | Open: Sep. to early-Oct., 10:00 ~ 16:00 | Closed: Wed. | Parking: 5 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥1,500/kg | URL: www.anrifarm.com
Countryside Dining
Wholesome Foods, Fresh Ingredients, Quality Dining
If strolling through soggy fields, bending over and stretching up to snatch fruit isn’t your idea of a fun Sunday, but you do enjoy getting out of the city and enjoying wholesome country-style cooking, here are two restaurants worth considering. Who knows? On your way back you might see a fruit orchard and be tempted to pick some.
East of Fukuoka
Kubarahonke Kayanoya
The graceful curves of this thatched-roof restaurant blend in with the mountains and rustic background, and a traditional cloth sign hangs down from the entrance to greet its customers. Healthy soil is essential for raising delicious ingredients, so this restaurant follows the motto of “working from the ground up”, allowing vegetables collected from their exclusively-owned plantation to retain maximum flavor. Soy sauce and miso made from carefully-selected soybeans, freshly-milled rice cooked each morning in an earthenware pot, soup with pork and ten assorted grains, and more, are all delicious ways to energize your body. Next door is an udon shop with noodles made from Kyushu wheat flower, as well as a tea shop with sweets and other various goodies.
Address: 395-1 Kushiya, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya-gun | Tel: 092-976-2112 | Reservation recommended | Open: 11:00 ~15:30, 17:00 ~ 22:00 (Sun. and Hol. 11:00 ~ 22:00) | Closed: Wed. (Thu. after a holiday)
West of Fukuoka
Itaru
This traditional Japanese house has stood for 112 years, recently renovated as a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. All food is prepared with a theme of ‘salt’, gathering its fish, meat and vegetables from the surrounding area of Itoshima. Owner Shuichi Hirakawa believes that in order to draw out the inherent flavor of a dish, salt is the essential ingredient, which years ago led him to begin his salt-making practice. Upon discovering the high quality of his salt, he decided to open his own restaurant. The time dedicated to making proper salt improves the quality of all dishes and allows the natural flavor to work its magic. Both full courses (lunch from ¥3,150, dinner from ¥5,250, plus one drink order) feature shiogamayaki (salt-baked fish or meat).
Address: 1454 Hon, Maebaru City | Tel: 092-330-8732 | Reservation required one day in advance | Open: 12:00 ~ 14:00 / 18:00 ~ 20:00 | Closed: Wed.
収穫の秋、食欲の秋。日本の秋はこう呼ばれる。畑では芋やごぼうが収穫期を迎え、田園では米の稲穂が風に揺れはじめる。海ではサンマやサバに脂がのりはじめ、日本各地で豊穣を祝う祭りが催される。日本の秋はとかく旨いものに恵まれる季節だ。
中でもとくにこの季節を彩るのは、ぶどうにイチジク、梨、りんご、柿…といった秋の果実たち。今回はこうした旬の味覚を味わうべく、福岡が誇るフルーツ産地・筑後エリアを中心にフルーツ狩りのスポットを紹介。さらに地元の農産地から採れたて旬の味が楽しめる、とっておきのレストラン2軒を紹介しよう。
福岡県は全国でも有数の果物産地だ。とくに甘柿（富有柿）の収穫量では全国１位、キウイでは全国２位、巨峰は全国３位という生産量を誇り、そのどれもが福岡県南部の筑後エリアに集中している。例えば、柿の生産は、うきは市や朝倉市、久留米市などを中心とした筑後川流域で盛んに行われ、日当たりと水はけの良い、なだらかな斜面が、柿栽培に適している。また福岡県は日本で初めて巨峰の生産に成功した歴史あるぶどう生産県。今も久留米市の田主丸やうきは市、八女の黒木町を中心に栽培が盛んに行われている。さらに最近注目すべきはキウイ栽培。熟れていない状態でもバナナなどが発するエチレンガスを浴びると追熟できるという性質を利用し、全国に先がけ大型の追熟設備を導入。 出荷前までに追熟によって糖度を増し、甘くて美味しいキウイを提供できるようになった。しかも追熟をかけたキウイの出荷量では立花町が全国１位なのである。こうした歴史と実績を培ってきた福岡県の果物生産者だが、厳しい環境の変化に順応しながら、新しい農法や品種にもチャレンジし続けている。最近では、 マンゴーやドラゴンフルーツといった、以前は熱帯地域で栽培されていた品種も作られるようになった。昭和３０年代、日本で初めてフルーツ狩りというアイデアを生んだ先人達のチャレンジ精神は、今もなお生き続けているようだ。
梨
うきは果樹の村 やまんどん
大分自動車道・杷木ＩＣから車で約１０分。筑後平野の中では最も東の端となる浮羽町山北は、５、６軒ほどの果樹園農家が集まった小さな山里。大正時代から果樹栽 培を始め、浮羽の中でも果樹発祥の地と言われている。「やまんどん」とは、この地域の旧地名「山の堂（やまのどう）」が訛った言葉だ。ここでは、いちご（１月～６月）、ブルーベリー（７月）、ぶどう（８月～１０月）、梨（８月～１１月）、柿（１１月上旬～１２月）など、一年を通じて旬の果物を収穫できるのが特徴。特に９月は梨が最盛期を向かえ、太陽の光と、山の湧き水をたっぷりと蓄えた、甘くてジューシーな梨が迎えてくれる。農園を見渡す高台には、カフェ・夢語寄家（むごよか）があり、もぎたての梨で作ったケーキなど、果樹園の実りをその場で味わえるのも楽しみのひとつ。
住所：福岡県うきは市浮羽町山北2212-7 | 電話番号：0943-77-4174 | 開園期間：8月中旬〜11月上旬 | 開園時間：10:00〜17:00 | 休園：水曜（８〜９月は無休） | 駐車場：30台 | 入園料：無料 | 持ち帰り：¥600／1kg | URL: www.yamandon.com
巨峰
果樹園 中野朋正園
粒の大きさや濃厚な甘さから、ブドウの王様と称される巨峰の本格栽培が日本で初めて成功した町として、全国的にも有名な田主丸。また、柿狩りや、ぶどう狩りなど、フルーツ狩り発祥の地としても知られている。中野朋正園でも、約2000平方メートルという広さの農園に、巨峰や、安芸（あき）クイーン、ハニーレッドなどという品種のぶどうを栽培し、8月から9月まで観光農園として開放。化学肥料未使用の有機栽培で育つブドウは糖度も高く、完熟した甘さは一度食べると忘れられない。また農園の入口併設のカフェ「樹蘭（じゅらん）」では、摘みたての巨峰やイチジクを盛り付けた自家製カスタードパイや手づくりジャムも好評。
住所：福岡県久留米市田主丸町石垣482-1 | 電話番号：0943-72-4528 | 開園期間：8月〜9月下旬頃 | 開園時間：8:00〜18:00 | 休園：なし | 駐車場：10台 | 入園料：無料 | 持ち帰り：¥900／1kg | URL: www.tanushimaru-budougari.com/en_pages/en24_juran.html
イチジク
エコファームよこみぞ園
納山麓の水はけの良い土地と温暖な気候は、甘くて美味しいイチジクを育てるにはもってこいの環境。加えて、化学肥料を使わず減農薬で栽培することで、さらに味の良いイチジクを作ることに成功した。約1000平方メートルの農園には、博多ホウライとドーフィンの２種類のイチジクが約100本栽培され、8月から10月までは、いつでも完熟の果実を摘み取ることができる。
りんご
朝倉りんご園
津軽、秋映、昴林、千秋、シナノスイート、陽光、ふじ…。約5000平方メートルの農園に約800本あるというりんごは、8月から11月まで種類を替えながら順番に収穫期を迎える。いずれも米ぬかの発酵肥料を使った有機栽培が行われ、さらに筑後平野の温暖な気候のため、糖度の高いりんごが育つという。りんご狩りの期間中販売されるアップルパイや絞りたて100％りんごジュースも人気だ。
住所：福岡県朝倉市菱野1112-1 | 電話番号：0946-52-0374 | 開園期間：8月中旬〜11月 | 開園時間：9:00〜17:00 | 休園：なし | 駐車場：35台 | 入園料：無料 | 持ち帰り：¥650／1kg
キウイ
大道谷の里
八女郡立花町はキウイの里として全国でも高い生産量を誇る町。周囲をぐるりと山に囲まれた白木地区でも、山のあちらこちらにキウイの棚栽培を見ることができる。農家生活を体験できる宿として知られる「大道谷の里」でも、毎年10月下旬から自前のキウイ畑を観光農園として開放。山の斜面に造られたキウイ棚は野趣に溢れ、素朴な田舎生活の一日が体験できる。
住所：福岡県八女郡立花町白木4578-1 | 電話番号：0943-35-0760 | 開園期間：10月下旬 11月 | 開園時間：不定 | 休園：なし | 駐車場：10台 | 入園料：¥500 (お土産1kg付き） | 持ち帰り：¥300／1kg | 宿泊：大人¥6,000、子ども¥4,000（1泊朝2食付） | URL: www.omitidaninosato.com
ドラゴンフルーツ
杏里ファーム
中南米原産のドラゴンフルーツが福岡で栽培されているのも驚きだが、これを誰もがフルーツ狩りできるというのもビックリ。輸入品では完熟していない商品も多いが、ここでは約1000平方メートルのハウスの中に約500本のドラゴンフルーツが栽培され、しっかり完熟期を迎えた果実を周期的に摘み取ることが可能だ。種類はレッドとホワイトの2種類。農園が経営するショップでは、ドラゴンフルーツのジェラートも味わえる。(要予約)
住所：福岡県柳川市七ツ家3番地 | 電話番号：0944-73-8120 | 開園期間：9月〜10月上旬 ※実が熟す周期により収穫できない日もあるので要電話予約 | 開園時間：10:00〜16:00 | 休園：水曜 | 駐車場：5台 | 入園料：無料 | 持ち帰り：¥1,500／1kg | URL: www.anrifarm.com
Countryside Dining
地産地消！旬を味わえるとっておきのレストラン
I果物狩りの時間を作るのが難しい…でも、のんびり大自然と美味しいものを楽しみたい！というあなたにぴったりのレストランをご紹介。ただし、そこに辿り着くまでの道中にて果樹園に迷い込み、いつのまにやら、果物狩りをしていたりしても悪しからず…。
福岡 東部
久原本家 茅乃舎
九州の伊勢「伊野神社」から猪野川沿いに車を走らせると、やがて左手に、優美な曲線で周囲の山々に溶け込んだ、大きな茅葺き建築が現れる。安全で美味しい素材のためには、健康な土…と、食の原点を追及し、土造りにまでこだわって作られた新鮮な野菜たちは、しっかりとした素材そのものの風味が生きている。こだわりの大豆から生まれた味噌や醤油、使う分だけを精米し土鍋で炊かれる米、黒豚を十種類の雑穀とスープで煮込む十穀鍋など、滋味溢れる料理が体を癒す。併設の麺舎では九州産の小麦粉で打ったうどん、茶舎では手作りバウムクーヘンもいただける。
住所：福岡県粕屋郡久山町猪野櫛屋395-1 | 電話番号：092-976-2112 ※なるべく事前予約を | 営業時間： レストラン 11:00〜15:30／17:00〜22:00（日祝日は11:00〜22:00） | 茶舎 11:00〜22:00 | 麺舎 11:00〜7:00（17:00以降は完全予約制） | 定休：水曜（祝日の場合は翌日）
福岡 西部
イタル
周囲には長閑な田園風景といくつかの集落の家々。典型的な日本の田舎が広がる中、母屋を中心に納屋をコの字型に配置した家は、すぐに目に付く存在だ。ここは、今から112年前に建てられたという伝統的な日本家屋の中で、料理の基本とも言える「塩」をコンセプトに、地元・糸島近郊で獲れる魚や肉、野菜を味わう和食レストラン。代表の平川秀一氏が、旨い料理を極めるには、素材が持っている自然本来の持ち味を生かす「塩」が必要と、数年前から塩造りに取り組み、「いい塩ができたから」と満を持して作った店だ。糸島・福の浦でゆっくりと時間をかけて作られた塩により、前菜から主菜に至るまで、ふくよかで味わい深い塩の魔法がかけられる。料理はメインの塩釜焼き（魚または肉）を含むコース（昼3,150円〜、夜5,250円〜、各要１ドリンクオーダー）が２種類用意されている。
住所：福岡県前原市本1454 | 電話番号：092-330-8732 | ※前日までに要予約 | 営業時間：12:00〜14:00／18:00〜20:00 | 定休：水曜
Autumn is here, which means it’s harvest time in Japan. Fukuoka Prefecture boasts many areas with beautiful, bountiful fruit orchards. On the following pages we introduce six orchards, each specializing in a different variety of fruit. 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 some country fresh-air and exercise. Then, for those who prefer not to get their hands dirty, but wish to enjoy the wholesome taste of country-style cooking, we also introduce two restaurants located in Fukuoka Prefecture’s countryside. Autumn is said to be the season when people’s appetites return, so itadakimasu and enjoy farm fresh produce!
Fukuoka is one of the leading fruit-producing prefectures in all of Japan. In terms of harvest size and production output, Fukuoka is number one in the nation for Fuyu-gaki persimmons, number two for kiwis, and third for Kyoho grapes. 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. Also, 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 sweet, delicious, and ready to export to other countries. Of the areas that produce kiwi using this method, Tachibana-machi in Fukuoka is the top producer 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. Recently, fruits previously found in only tropical regions such as mango and dragon fruit have become possible to grow in Fukuoka. 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 the Fukuoka’s many fruit farms sometime soon.
Pears
Ukiha Kajuno Mura Yamandon
Within Ukiha, a fruit-growing town since the Taisho period (early 20th century), is an area that is often called “the origin of the fruit tree”. Fruit is grown throughout the year, including strawberries (Jan. ~ Jun.), blueberries (Jul.), grapes (Aug. ~ Oct.), pears (Aug. ~ Nov.), persimmons (Nov. ~ Dec.), and more. For pears, September is the golden month, when the sunlight is beaming down and spring water is drawn from 90m below the surface of the soil, producing sweet, juicy pears. At Mugoyoka, a quaint café overlooking the plantation, enjoy a taste of the orchard’s ripe fruit in one of their baked goods, such as the cake made from fresh-picked pears.
Address: 2212-7 Yamakita, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City | Telephone: 0943-77-4174 | Open: Mid-Aug. to early-Nov., 10:00 ~ 17:00 | Closed: No Hol. in Sep., Wed. in Oct. and Nov. | Parking: 30 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥600/kg | URL: www.yamandon.com
Kyoho Grapes
Nakano Housei-en
With its noticeably larger size and sweet taste, Kyoho is the king of 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 Kyoho, Aki Queen and Honey Red varieties of grapes, 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. Visit the café, Juran, at the entrance of the plantation to taste the popular homemade custard pie and jam made with Kyoho grapes and figs. This warm-hearted family business will capture your hearts, as well as your stomach!
Address: 482-1 Ishigaki, Tanushimaru-machi, Kurume City | Telephone: 0943-72-4528 | Open: Aug. to late-Sep., 08:00 ~ 18:00 | Closed: Never | Parking: 10 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥900/kg | URL: www.tanushimaru-budougari.com/en_pages/en24_juran.html
Figs
Eco Farm Yokomizo-en
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 1,000 m2 orchard, around one hundred trees are raised to cultivate Hakata Hourai and Dauphin, two varieties of figs. Ripe fruit can be picked until October.
Apples
Asakura Ringo-en
This 5,000 m2 orchard holds around 800 apple trees, from which you can pick a variety of different apples until November. Using rice bran fertilizer to organically cultivate all plants, the trees raised in this Chikugo plain have a high level of sugar content to fit the hot climate. During fruit-picking season, the apple pies and hand-squeezed 100% apple juice are extremely popular.
Address: 1112-1 Hishino, Asakura City | Telephone: 0946-52-0374 | Open: Mid-Aug. to Nov., 09:00 ~ 17:00 | Closed: Never | Parking: 35 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥650/kg
Kiwi
Omichidani no Sato
Tachibana-machi in Yame-gun is a small country-town that boasts one of the top kiwi production outputs in the country. In Shiraki-ku, a section of the city encircling a mountain, kiwi fruit cover giant sections of the sloping plains. Experience a taste of the country-life by spending a night on the farm, which opens for sightseeing and personal fruit-picking in late October. Also, receive a 1kg kiwi omiyage for the ride home!
Address: 4578-1 Shiraki, Tachibana-machi, Yame-gun | Telephone: 0943-35-0760 | Open: Late-Oct. to Nov., (irregular business hours) | Closed: Never | Parking: 10 spaces | Entrance: ¥500 (1kg of kiwi incl.) | Fruit: ¥300/kg | Lodging: One night, morning and evening (2 meals incl.), Adult ¥6,000, Child 4,000 | URL: www.omitidaninosato.com
Dragon Fruit
Anri Farm
Even more surprising than the fact that dragon fruit are harvested in Fukuoka, is that anybody can participate in dragon fruit picking! Many imported dragon fruit are not in a fully ripe state, but here in this 1,000 m2 garden there are around 500 dragon fruit trees, with fruit ripe and ready for plucking. There are two types of dragon fruit: white and red. At the nearby plantation-run shop try a cup of dragon fruit gelato! Advance reservation is required.
Address: 3 Nanatue, Yanagawa City | Telephone: 0944-73-8120 | Open: Sep. to early-Oct., 10:00 ~ 16:00 | Closed: Wed. | Parking: 5 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥1,500/kg | URL: www.anrifarm.com
Countryside Dining
Wholesome Foods, Fresh Ingredients, Quality Dining
If strolling through soggy fields, bending over and stretching up to snatch fruit isn’t your idea of a fun Sunday, but you do enjoy getting out of the city and enjoying wholesome country-style cooking, here are two restaurants worth considering. Who knows? On your way back you might see a fruit orchard and be tempted to pick some.
East of Fukuoka
Kubarahonke Kayanoya
The graceful curves of this thatched-roof restaurant blend in with the mountains and rustic background, and a traditional cloth sign hangs down from the entrance to greet its customers. Healthy soil is essential for raising delicious ingredients, so this restaurant follows the motto of “working from the ground up”, allowing vegetables collected from their exclusively-owned plantation to retain maximum flavor. Soy sauce and miso made from carefully-selected soybeans, freshly-milled rice cooked each morning in an earthenware pot, soup with pork and ten assorted grains, and more, are all delicious ways to energize your body. Next door is an udon shop with noodles made from Kyushu wheat flower, as well as a tea shop with sweets and other various goodies.
Address: 395-1 Kushiya, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya-gun | Tel: 092-976-2112 | Reservation recommended | Open: 11:00 ~15:30, 17:00 ~ 22:00 (Sun. and Hol. 11:00 ~ 22:00) | Closed: Wed. (Thu. after a holiday)
West of Fukuoka
Itaru
This traditional Japanese house has stood for 112 years, recently renovated as a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. All food is prepared with a theme of ‘salt’, gathering its fish, meat and vegetables from the surrounding area of Itoshima. Owner Shuichi Hirakawa believes that in order to draw out the inherent flavor of a dish, salt is the essential ingredient, which years ago led him to begin his salt-making practice. Upon discovering the high quality of his salt, he decided to open his own restaurant. The time dedicated to making proper salt improves the quality of all dishes and allows the natural flavor to work its magic. Both full courses (lunch from ¥3,150, dinner from ¥5,250, plus one drink order) feature shiogamayaki (salt-baked fish or meat).
Address: 1454 Hon, Maebaru City | Tel: 092-330-8732 | Reservation required one day in advance | Open: 12:00 ~ 14:00 / 18:00 ~ 20:00 | Closed: Wed.
Autumn is here, which means it’s harvest time in Japan. Fukuoka Prefecture boasts many areas with beautiful, bountiful fruit orchards. On the following pages we introduce six orchards, each specializing in a different variety of fruit. 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 some country fresh-air and exercise. Then, for those who prefer not to get their hands dirty, but wish to enjoy the wholesome taste of country-style cooking, we also introduce two restaurants located in Fukuoka Prefecture’s countryside. Autumn is said to be the season when people’s appetites return, so itadakimasu and enjoy farm fresh produce!
Fukuoka is one of the leading fruit-producing prefectures in all of Japan. In terms of harvest size and production output, Fukuoka is number one in the nation for Fuyu-gaki persimmons, number two for kiwis, and third for Kyoho grapes. 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. Also, 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 sweet, delicious, and ready to export to other countries. Of the areas that produce kiwi using this method, Tachibana-machi in Fukuoka is the top producer 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. Recently, fruits previously found in only tropical regions such as mango and dragon fruit have become possible to grow in Fukuoka. 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 the Fukuoka’s many fruit farms sometime soon.
Pears
Ukiha Kajuno Mura Yamandon
Within Ukiha, a fruit-growing town since the Taisho period (early 20th century), is an area that is often called “the origin of the fruit tree”. Fruit is grown throughout the year, including strawberries (Jan. ~ Jun.), blueberries (Jul.), grapes (Aug. ~ Oct.), pears (Aug. ~ Nov.), persimmons (Nov. ~ Dec.), and more. For pears, September is the golden month, when the sunlight is beaming down and spring water is drawn from 90m below the surface of the soil, producing sweet, juicy pears. At Mugoyoka, a quaint café overlooking the plantation, enjoy a taste of the orchard’s ripe fruit in one of their baked goods, such as the cake made from fresh-picked pears.
Address: 2212-7 Yamakita, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City | Telephone: 0943-77-4174 | Open: Mid-Aug. to early-Nov., 10:00 ~ 17:00 | Closed: No Hol. in Sep., Wed. in Oct. and Nov. | Parking: 30 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥600/kg | URL: www.yamandon.com
Kyoho Grapes
Nakano Housei-en
With its noticeably larger size and sweet taste, Kyoho is the king of 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 Kyoho, Aki Queen and Honey Red varieties of grapes, 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. Visit the café, Juran, at the entrance of the plantation to taste the popular homemade custard pie and jam made with Kyoho grapes and figs. This warm-hearted family business will capture your hearts, as well as your stomach!
Address: 482-1 Ishigaki, Tanushimaru-machi, Kurume City | Telephone: 0943-72-4528 | Open: Aug. to late-Sep., 08:00 ~ 18:00 | Closed: Never | Parking: 10 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥900/kg | URL: www.tanushimaru-budougari.com/en_pages/en24_juran.html
Figs
Eco Farm Yokomizo-en
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 1,000 m2 orchard, around one hundred trees are raised to cultivate Hakata Hourai and Dauphin, two varieties of figs. Ripe fruit can be picked until October.
Apples
Asakura Ringo-en
This 5,000 m2 orchard holds around 800 apple trees, from which you can pick a variety of different apples until November. Using rice bran fertilizer to organically cultivate all plants, the trees raised in this Chikugo plain have a high level of sugar content to fit the hot climate. During fruit-picking season, the apple pies and hand-squeezed 100% apple juice are extremely popular.
Address: 1112-1 Hishino, Asakura City | Telephone: 0946-52-0374 | Open: Mid-Aug. to Nov., 09:00 ~ 17:00 | Closed: Never | Parking: 35 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥650/kg
Kiwi
Omichidani no Sato
Tachibana-machi in Yame-gun is a small country-town that boasts one of the top kiwi production outputs in the country. In Shiraki-ku, a section of the city encircling a mountain, kiwi fruit cover giant sections of the sloping plains. Experience a taste of the country-life by spending a night on the farm, which opens for sightseeing and personal fruit-picking in late October. Also, receive a 1kg kiwi omiyage for the ride home!
Address: 4578-1 Shiraki, Tachibana-machi, Yame-gun | Telephone: 0943-35-0760 | Open: Late-Oct. to Nov., (irregular business hours) | Closed: Never | Parking: 10 spaces | Entrance: ¥500 (1kg of kiwi incl.) | Fruit: ¥300/kg | Lodging: One night, morning and evening (2 meals incl.), Adult ¥6,000, Child 4,000 | URL: www.omitidaninosato.com
Dragon Fruit
Anri Farm
Even more surprising than the fact that dragon fruit are harvested in Fukuoka, is that anybody can participate in dragon fruit picking! Many imported dragon fruit are not in a fully ripe state, but here in this 1,000 m2 garden there are around 500 dragon fruit trees, with fruit ripe and ready for plucking. There are two types of dragon fruit: white and red. At the nearby plantation-run shop try a cup of dragon fruit gelato! Advance reservation is required.
Address: 3 Nanatue, Yanagawa City | Telephone: 0944-73-8120 | Open: Sep. to early-Oct., 10:00 ~ 16:00 | Closed: Wed. | Parking: 5 spaces | Entrance: Free | Fruit: ¥1,500/kg | URL: www.anrifarm.com
Countryside Dining
Wholesome Foods, Fresh Ingredients, Quality Dining
If strolling through soggy fields, bending over and stretching up to snatch fruit isn’t your idea of a fun Sunday, but you do enjoy getting out of the city and enjoying wholesome country-style cooking, here are two restaurants worth considering. Who knows? On your way back you might see a fruit orchard and be tempted to pick some.
East of Fukuoka
Kubarahonke Kayanoya
The graceful curves of this thatched-roof restaurant blend in with the mountains and rustic background, and a traditional cloth sign hangs down from the entrance to greet its customers. Healthy soil is essential for raising delicious ingredients, so this restaurant follows the motto of “working from the ground up”, allowing vegetables collected from their exclusively-owned plantation to retain maximum flavor. Soy sauce and miso made from carefully-selected soybeans, freshly-milled rice cooked each morning in an earthenware pot, soup with pork and ten assorted grains, and more, are all delicious ways to energize your body. Next door is an udon shop with noodles made from Kyushu wheat flower, as well as a tea shop with sweets and other various goodies.
Address: 395-1 Kushiya, Hisayama-machi, Kasuya-gun | Tel: 092-976-2112 | Reservation recommended | Open: 11:00 ~15:30, 17:00 ~ 22:00 (Sun. and Hol. 11:00 ~ 22:00) | Closed: Wed. (Thu. after a holiday)
West of Fukuoka
Itaru
This traditional Japanese house has stood for 112 years, recently renovated as a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine. All food is prepared with a theme of ‘salt’, gathering its fish, meat and vegetables from the surrounding area of Itoshima. Owner Shuichi Hirakawa believes that in order to draw out the inherent flavor of a dish, salt is the essential ingredient, which years ago led him to begin his salt-making practice. Upon discovering the high quality of his salt, he decided to open his own restaurant. The time dedicated to making proper salt improves the quality of all dishes and allows the natural flavor to work its magic. Both full courses (lunch from ¥3,150, dinner from ¥5,250, plus one drink order) feature shiogamayaki (salt-baked fish or meat).
Address: 1454 Hon, Maebaru City | Tel: 092-330-8732 | Reservation required one day in advance | Open: 12:00 ~ 14:00 / 18:00 ~ 20:00 | Closed: Wed.
