One-day trip to Yamanashi Prefecture

Japan is famous for its expensive, high-end fruits. For example, sales of Shine Muscat grapes can reach triple digits in luxury supermarkets. Don’t even bother looking at the cherries, because they’ll save you three months of rent. Sometimes, the best — and more affordable option — is to go straight to the source.

Yamanashi Prefecture, known as Japan’s “Fruit Kingdom”, ranks among the top in the country in terms of fruit production. Fruit and wine Production. The county’s long sunshine hours, coupled with the nearby river system and large daily temperature differences in the climate, provide ideal conditions for agriculture and agriculture. Fruit growing. Today we put together a great itinerary Depart from Tokyo for a day trip to Yamanashi Prefecture’s scenic and agriculturally rich scenic spots.

fruit picking

The fruit picking season in Yamanashi Prefecture changes with the seasons Year. Strawberries are picked from January to March, cherries from June to July, and peaches, pears and blueberries from June to September. Grapes can be picked from May to October and apples from October to December. There are many farms to choose from, but it’s best to book in advance as most farms don’t accept reservations. Once you select a course, you’ll typically enjoy an all-you-can-eat experience for a set time.

Be sure to arrive hungry. Many farms require you to eat all the fruit you pick and don’t allow you to take the fruit home. However, some farms allow you to take away leftovers, but you will need to pay a separate fee.

Recently, I visited a sunny Muscat grape farm and discovered that you have to cut the entire bunch of grapes off the vine and eat them all. Thankfully, farmers provide some single grapes as snacks during the fruit picking process, so you’re not stuck having to eat a bunch when you just want a few more.

Start your Yamanashi day trip with a fruit picking adventure. To make your experience easier, we’ve rounded up some of the farms you can visit:

Nakagome Orchard

Nakagome Orchard offers a variety of fruit picking experiences throughout the year. There are grapes, peaches, pears, plums, persimmons, cherries, apples and nectarines.

Miyuan Fairy Garden

Overlooking the Kofu Basin, Miyuan Garden offers peach, grape, strawberry and apple picking experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Sengenon Farm

Sengenon Farm is an accessible tourist farm that has been featured on Japanese TV for its delicious grape and peach picking classes.

heidi’s village

Why take a 14-hour flight to the Swiss Alps when you can visit Heidi Village in Japan? Forget that you are in Yamanashi Prefecture and immerse yourself in the peaceful alpine atmosphere of Switzerland. Located in the city of Hokuto, this charming theme park is inspired by the beloved 1974 Japanese anime. Heidi: Girl of the Alps.

The story follows young Heidi, an orphan who moves to the Swiss Alps to live with her grandfather. Heidi Village captures the heartwarming story from its extensive, meticulously maintained rose gardens and charming cobbled streets. Enjoy the changing seasonal themes – pick strawberries in the greenhouse in the summer, enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere in October, and admire the lights in the winter.

There’s plenty of Heidi merchandise, a museum commemorating anime, a greenhouse and garden centre, picturesque views and plenty of fondue.

After enjoying a morning fruit-picking tour, continue along the scenic winding mountain road to Heidi Village. Admission fee Seasonal fluctuations occur, so be sure to check ahead. It’s best to drive there, as parking is free, and the village is a 20-minute taxi ride from Nirasaki Station.

Are you still satisfied with the fruit picking experience? You can take a leisurely stroll in the garden and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Be sure to stop and say hello to the friendly goats before heading to the observation deck for stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Fuji. After admiring the view, you can descend to the village and sit down on the terrace of the Volcano Restaurant. Here you can indulge in delicious cheese fondue or enjoy rose tea and cakes.

winery

After lunch, take an easy drive down the mountain and stop at one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s many wineries. The county houses more than 90 wineriesaccounting for approximately 30% of all wine produced in Japan. Using Koshu and Muscat Bailey A grapes, you can taste award-winning wines there that are vibrant, sweet and juicy. Here are some wineries worth visiting:

Mars Pear Winery

Just a 10-minute walk from JR Ishiwa Onsen Station, Mars Winery is a great experience that I personally recommend. During the tour, you’ll learn more about the winery’s history, explore the underground barrel storage and observe the production line in action. Plus, in the souvenir shop and tasting room, you can taste five to six different wines and some delicious grape juice for free.

Sadoya Winery

Sadoya Brewery was established in 1917. In 1936, it introduced 40 varieties of imported French grapes to its Yamanashi farm. For just 1,000 yen you can Book Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship and tradition of Sadoya Winery as you explore the underground cellars and storage barrels. After the tour, you can taste wine and browse the souvenir shop for goodies to take home.

Suntory Tomioka Winery

Suntory is famous for its award-winning whiskey, and I’m sure you’ve heard of Suntory before. The company’s winery, Tomi no Oka Winery, is located in the vast hills of Yamanashi Prefecture. Book a “Farm to Winery” travelfor just 5,000 yen you can tour the vineyard, visit the storage room and taste four different recommended types of wine. There are other travel plans available, so choose wisely.

Kikyo Shingen Mochi Factory Theme Park

Last stop of the day, try Yamanashi’s famous Shingen mochi, a chewy rice cake sprinkled with soy (soybean) flour and drizzle black light (brown syrup). in kyoto Shingen Mochi Factory Theme ParkWatch the production line, from pouring the mochi to the workers hand-wrapping it, for a fun and immersive experience.

After the tour, you can participate in the exciting “Unlimited Packing” game for only 200 yen. You’ll receive a bag and guess how much expiring Shingen mochi can fit inside. Fill your bag according to your estimate, make sure it’s in good condition, and you can take home all the mochi you can fit at no extra cost. Please note that if you guess too high and exceed the capacity of the bag, you will need to pay 100 yen for each additional item.

Don’t forget to check out the two souvenir shops on site: one offers discounted food items that are about to expire, and the other sells a variety of traditional souvenirs and coffee goods. Admission to the factory is free, but be sure to check it out allocated time slot For traveling.

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