Seven types of strawberries are available for picking this year at ABC Farm in Akishima, Tokyo. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Japan’s strawberry picking season is in swing in May, and a unique tourist farm cultivating the tasty fruit offers visitors the opportunity to harvest the delectable fruit.
The Kinokuniya Farm Co.’s ABC Farm in Akishima — a short ride from Yokota Air Base — opened in 2024, offering visitors firsthand experience with vegetable and fruit farming, harvesting and strawberry picking.
The company originated in a family farm community that has existed for more than 300 years, perfecting vegetable production and harvesting Korotan melons, sweet potatoes, edamame, potatoes, corn and strawberries. They typically harvest from spring to autumn, according to the farm’s website.
“This year, I only [did] strawberries,” representative director Takayoshi Yamamoto told Stars and Stripes through translation outside the picking facility April 25.
ABC Farm in Akishima, Tokyo, opened in 2024, offering visitors firsthand experience with vegetable and fruit farming, harvesting and strawberry picking. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Farming has been sparse in areas of Akishima and Tachikawa and ABC Farm found it beneficial to get communities motivated to learn and experience the craft. It sought to make the operation “everyone’s farm,” according to the website.
It produced seven types of strawberries this year, including Beni Hoppe, Akihime, Berry Pop Suzu, Yotsuboshi, Yumenoka, Kaorino and white strawberries. Staff at ABC Farm will describe the types of strawberries available to pick. There were no English-speaking staff but using a translator app worked out fine for me.
Like similar farms, you have an allotted time to pick and eat strawberries from the stems. This place was no different, and my family had 30 minutes to grab and consume all we could for 3,300 yen each, about $21. Strawberries are conveniently situated on elevated beds for easy access. A small plastic container is handed out to each visitor to hold the fruit and discard waste.
In a competition with my son, I vowed to consume more than my fill. Condensed milk or chocolate topping is available in the picking area during your eating experience, but the sweet strawberries alone suited us just fine.
Near the picking facility, ABC Farm features a small cafe where you can purchase various beverages.
“Next year, the cafe will make a food menu,” Yamamoto said.
ABC Farm in Akishima, Tokyo, originated in a family farm community that has existed for more than 300 years. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
After picking, we visited the cafe and purchased a couple of medium caramel lattes, along with a medium homemade carbonated lemonade for 600 yen each. We also tried a medium strawberry milk beverage, made with real strawberries, for 650 yen. Cafe hours are announced each day via Instagram.
The farm’s website advertises English language learning during visits for those interested. A pizza-making class is also advertised in which visitors may use farm produced vegetables for their creations.
Mandatory reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Schedule online in advance. We really enjoyed what may have been our last strawberry picking experience in Japan.
ABC Farm in Akishima, Tokyo, features a small cafe where you can purchase a variety of beverages. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: 2-23-12 Musashino, Akishima, Tokyo; about a 20-minute drive from Yokota Air Base.
Times: Open 10:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Costs: Admission is 2,200 yen for 3- to 5-year-olds; 3,300 yen for ages 6 to adult.
Food: Cafe hours vary but it offers a selection of beverages priced between 450 yen to 750 yen.
Information: Online: abcfarm.shop; Credit cards accepted. Parking is free but limited. Stroller access is available.
