Sutoroberi Picking in Koshigaya
There is probably very little in this world that the Japanese can't turn into an art form. Strawberry production, for one, is serious business in the country, with Japan creating some of the world's most flavorful varieties with romantic names like Beni-hoppe (Red Cheeks), Moikko (One More Please), and Hatsukoi no kaori (Scent of First Love).
Strawberries being my favorite fruit on most days (there are times when mangosteen suddenly swoops in to steal the spot), of course I had to try strawberry picking the first chance I got. A farm with all-you-can-eat strawberries? Who can say no?
Be warned that this activity, though rewarding, takes a bit of planning. There are quite a few strawberry farms near Tokyo, but during peak season (Jan to Feb), the reservation slots get filled up pretty fast. Some accommodate visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, but be sure to arrive there waaaay before opening time so you don't get turned away, something that's happened to us twice already, because by golly this is a country that loves its strawberries! But when the strawberries taste this good, who can blame 'em?
Just some of the many strawberry treats of Japan
(Their strawberry shortcake tastes like fluffy love)
So one bright and early morning, we trotted off to Ichigo Town in Koshigaya. Ichigo Town has around 64,000 strawberry plants spread out across 8 greenhouses. By the time we arrived there was already a crowd gathered by the entrance, but thank goodness we made the cut-off. There was a briefing in Japanese, which essentially stated which greenhouses would be open for the day while the others were rested to give the strawberries chance to grow (Thanks for the translation, Mom!).
After the briefing, you then walk into the farm and enter the greenhouse of your choice. They have seats inside where you can wait until the strawberry buffet officially begins. They have a photo backdrop and props so you can amuse yourselves while waiting, which of course we did.
Instagram-ready
The strawberry plants are conveniently elevated on platforms covered in white tarp, so you don't have to hurt your back as you pick and eat to your heart's content. You'll be given 45 minutes to roam around in search of the plumpest, juiciest strawberries you can find, plus you can hop from one greenhouse to another to taste different varieties.
The strawberries are so clean you can just pop them straight into your mouth
Each strawberry picker gets a small plastic container and a tube of condensed milk for dipping
I had about 3 dozen of these babies
Needless to say those 45 minutes went by very fast. It was the yummiest breakfast buffet I've ever had. The trick is to come early, bring an empty stomach, and relish every succulent bite.
Strawberry Picking at Ichigo Town is open from January to May.
Entrance fees depend on the dates you go:
Jan 3 to April 8 - 2,100 yen for adults / 1,200 yen for kids
April 9 to May 31 - 1,600 yen for adults / 1,000 yen for kids*
*or if Google Translate is to be believed, dwarfs
You can check their calendar and make reservations on their official website at ichigo-town.com (just be sure your Google Translate is on).
Ichigo Town is about 1 1/2 hour's journey from Shinjuku. Getting there is a bit tricky as it may require a couple of bus rides. One way is to take the train to Koshigaya Station. From the east exit, get on the bus that will take you to Ikikikan. Then the farm is a 750m walk from there.
A good and hassle-free alternative would be to join a tour, where strawberry picking is usually paired with other tourist attractions such as Mt. Fuji or flower parks. You can find many of these tours at japanican.com