When many people think of Japan, images of neon cities, temples, and sushi come to mind. However, the country is just as famous for its fruit, and certain regions are known for producing some of the sweetest and most celebrated varieties in the world. From Aomori's apples to Hokkaido's luxurious Yubari melons, each destination combines ideal climate, centuries of cultivation, and local pride.
For food lovers and travelers looking beyond the usual tourist spots, these eight destinations offer a glimpse into Japan's unique fruit culture.
Hirosaki (Aomori Prefecture) – Apples
Hirosaki grows more than half of Japan's apples and has turned its orchards into a signature attraction. At Hirosaki Apple Park, you can wander among 1,200 trees representing 80 varieties, and even pick fruit in season. Spring brings the Apple Blossom Festival, while autumn fills the city with harvest events and cider tastings.
Fukushima City (Fukushima Prefecture) – Peaches
Fukushima is synonymous with white peaches, which are sweet, fragrant, and at their best in midsummer. The scenic Fruit Line (a 14-kilometer stretch of orchards) is perfect for sampling freshly picked fruit or joining all-you-can-eat peach-picking experiences. When spring arrives, the groves erupt into pink blossoms, and shops stock a wide array of peach-flavored treats.
Koshu (Yamanashi Prefecture) – Grapes
Koshu is the heart of Japan's grape country and home to local wine grape variants. Late summer through autumn is prime time for grape-picking and wine tasting, especially around Katsunuma, home to dozens of wineries producing everything from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. October's annual Grape Festival adds food stalls, music, and paid wine tastings if you can time your visit right!
Yubari (Hokkaido Prefecture) – Melons
Once a coal-mining town, Yubari is now world-famous for its luxurious Yubari King melons, which regularly fetch sky-high prices at auction. You don't need to splurge to enjoy them, since melon slices, soft serve, and parfaits are widely available, and the Yubari Melon Dome sells melon products year-round. Summer visitors can also join melon-picking at nearby farms.
Arida (Wakayama Prefecture) – Mikan
Arida is the center of Japan's mikan production, blessed with sunny hillsides overlooking the sea. From late autumn through winter, orchards open for mikan-picking, where you can taste oranges still warm from the sun. Markets and roadside stands offer juices, jams, desserts, and even citrus-themed bath goods.
Higashine (Yamagata Prefecture) – Cherries
Nicknamed the "Cherry Kingdom," Higashine produces a quarter of Japan's sweet cherries. Mid-June to early July is cherry-picking season, with prized varieties like the jewel-like Satonishiki available straight from the tree. Fun annual events like the Higashine Cherry Pit Spitting Competition take place in the region, and hot springs nearby make it easy to combine fruit tourism with relaxation.
Tochigi City (Tochigi Prefecture) – Strawberries
As Japan's top strawberry producer, Tochigi is famous for its Tochiotome variety, which is sweet, juicy, and perfectly balanced. Winter and spring bring all-you-can-eat picking at hydroponic greenhouses, plus cafes serving strawberry shortcakes, parfaits, and chocolate-dipped berries. The area's easy access from Tokyo makes it a perfect day trip.
Tottori City (Tottori Prefecture) – Pears
Tottori's Nashi pears, especially the crisp Nijisseiki variety, are iconic enough to warrant their own museum—the world's only one dedicated to pears. Late summer and autumn offer pear-picking opportunities, and local shops stock pear soft serve, juices, and even pear craft beer for a uniquely regional tasting experience.
