The Fruits of Minami-Alps City
Have you ever tasted freshly picked fruits? The flavor of freshly ripened fruits from the trees can only be experienced in an orchard.
In Minami-Alps City, known for its plentiful fruit picking activities, cherry picking season begins from May. Minami-Alps City is particularly early in the cherry harvesting season, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the fresh taste of cherries at various orchards throughout the city for almost two months in the spring.
From around July, fruits such as plums, peaches, grapes, persimmons, and kiwi fruits start to ripen one after another. You can enjoy delicious freshly picked fruits from the early summer through the autumn.
Fruit Picking Calendar
Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cherries | ● | ● | ||||||||||
Peaches | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||
Plums | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||
Grapes | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||
Kiwifruit | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Dried Persimmons | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||
Strawberries | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
Pears | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||
Apples | ● | ● | ● |
Cherries
Cherries from Minami-Alps City have one of the earliest harvesting periods in Japan. Every year during the season, many people visit from all over the country for cherry-picking. The sweet and tart flavors are unique to freshly picked cherries. Enjoy the delightful, fully ripe, charming flavor of sun-ripened cherries.
Peaches
Rather than saying ‘food over flowers,’ We want you to experience the scenery of peach trees in full bloom during the spring.
Minami-Alps City primarily produces varieties such as ‘Hakuhou’ and ‘Hakutoh.’
The soft and juicy peaches are widely loved by people of all ages.
Plums
Kiyo is renowned for its exceptional size and juicy flesh. It was first cultivated in 1996 and was recognized for its world-record weight in 2012. Kiyo offers a well-balanced blend of acidity and sweetness.
Grapes
While Yamanashi is famous for its wine, the taste of freshly picked grapes is exceptional and comes in a wide variety. Varieties such as ‘Shine Muscat’, ‘Kyoho’, ‘Pione’ and ‘Kaiji’ await you. They each come into season one after another from early August. Also, you can enjoy ‘limited local-edition wines’ made exclusively from grapes harvested in Minami-Alps City.
Kiwifruit
They are rich in vitamins C and E and effective against blemishes and freckles! They have a refreshing sweetness.
About 30 years ago, a farmer in the Hatta district brought them from New Zealand. Their appearance resembles the rare bird native to New Zealand called the ‘kiwi,’ which is how the fruit got its name.
Dried Persimmons
The sight of fully ripened persimmon trees and dried persimmons somehow evokes the feeling of ‘rural Japan.’
As the mountains change color, persimmons ripen in Minami-Alps City. Alongside sweet varieties like ‘Fuyu’ and ‘Jiro,’ there are also popular dried persimmons such as ‘Koro-gaki’ and ‘Anpo-gaki’. Dried in the sun, and commonly given as gifts throughout the Kanto region.
Strawberries
When you take a bite, the sweetness, tartness and rich aroma of the strawberries will fill your mouth.
Recently, with changes in varieties and environmental conditions, there has been an increase in strawberry cultivation among local farmers. One of the charms of an extended growing period is the ability to enjoy strawberries from winter through spring.
Pears
Popular for their crisp, refreshing texture, balanced sweetness, and juiciness.
Harvested from summer to autumn, depending on the variety, each having its own peak season. There are fewer pear farms, but you can enjoy pear picking. They are also available at roadside stands.
Apples
Apples are known for their refreshing aroma and a well-balanced blend of sweetness and tartness, making them ideal for incorporating into dishes like apple pie, apple cakes, and more.
While there are a few local farms cultivating apples in the city, you can enjoy them through direct sales at roadside stands and apple picking activities.
Fruit Picking Etiquette
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for easy movement, as some activities may involve using a step ladder. (Skirts and heels are not recommended.)
Large bags and bringing your own lunch into the orchard are not allowed.
Please eat the fruit you pick on the spot and do not take it home with you.
If you wish to take some fruits home, please purchase souvenirs provided by the orchard instead.
The fruits are carefully grown by farmers. Please eat only the fruits you touch.
Do not climb trees, break branches, or pull on them.
Even if pets are allowed, please be considerate of other customers. (Always keep them on a leash.)
For cherry picking, only pick the fruits. (Do not pick the stems as it will affect next year’s buds.) Please put the cherry stems and seeds in a cup.
Please respect the rules of each orchard and enjoy your fruit-picking experience.