Fruit picking is one of the easiest activities to sell to a family group, as long as the programme is built around the season. Japanese farms grow fruit to a very high standard and many run all-you-can-eat sessions, but the fruit changes from month to month. Our Japan team lists what grows when in its guide to fruit picking seasons. Here we look at how to plan it into a group programme.
The Calendar Comes First
- Strawberries, roughly January to May, in greenhouses, often on raised beds at waist height.
- Cherries, roughly June to early July, a short season.
- Peaches, roughly July to August.
- Grapes, roughly August to October, which pair well with a winery visit.
- Apples, roughly September to November.
- Mandarins, roughly October to December, in warmer areas.
Dates move by farm, variety and year, and a warm or late season can shift them by weeks. Quote the activity against the client's travel month, then confirm with the farm.
What a Session Looks Like
The usual format is a set time in the greenhouse or orchard, often thirty to sixty minutes, eating as much as you like. Fruit to take home is usually sold separately by weight. Farms welcome groups but need numbers in advance, because the ripe fruit on any day is limited, and they can close a session at short notice. Facilities are simple, so toilets, shade and coach parking are checked before booking.
Who Buys It
- Families and multigenerational groups, where everyone can take part at their own pace.
- Clients from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, for whom Japanese fruit has a strong reputation.
- School groups, as a relaxed half-day.
For the wider family programme, see our Japan family travel guide.
Planning Points
Build in a backup activity nearby in case the session closes, keep the slot flexible within the day, and brief the group that the fruit is eaten on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is strawberry picking season in Japan?
Roughly January to May, in greenhouses. Exact dates depend on the farm and the year.
Do farms take group bookings?
Yes, with numbers in advance. Sessions can close at short notice, so plan a backup.
Can guests take fruit home?
Usually yes, but it is sold separately by weight.
Where Explera Fits
We match the farm to the travel month and keep a backup ready on the day.
Write to b2b@expleradmc.com or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341). Explera Thailand holds TAT licence No. 14/05119.
