Autumn day trip! Grape picking, a popular activity in Japan.

September has arrived, and the weather in Japan is starting to cool down. Autumn in Japan is the season when many delicious fruits are harvested. Among them, grape picking is especially popular with both Japanese people and international visitors. It is also a perfect activity for a day trip, allowing you to relax and enjoy some time surrounded by nature. In this article, we will explain the basic rules and useful tips for enjoying grape picking at farms in Japan!

1. You Can Even Enjoy the Famous “Shine Muscat” Grapes

Grapes grown at Japanese farms are known for being very sweet and high quality. One of the most popular varieties is the Shine Muscat. These grapes are green, seedless, and can be eaten with the skin on. Another famous variety is the Kyoho, which is large and dark purple. These fruits can be quite expensive when purchased at supermarkets in Japan, but when you visit a farm, you can enjoy plenty of fresh grapes directly from the source.

2. What You Should Know About the “All-You-Can-Eat” System and Rules

The following video gives you an idea of what grape picking is like in Japan. You can see the atmosphere of a typical farm as well as how grapes are harvested using scissors.

Many fruit-picking farms in Japan offer an all-you-can-eat system. This means that during a set period of time, such as 40 or 60 minutes, you can eat as many grapes as you like while you are at the farm.

Important! Differences From Fruit Picking in Other Countries

• Taking grapes home usually costs extra

You are not allowed to put unfinished grapes in your bag and take them home. If you would like to take grapes home with you, you will usually need to pay an additional fee at the farm. Make sure to use the scissors to harvest only the amount you expect to eat while you are there.

• You can often eat the grapes without washing them

Fruit farms in Japan are generally carefully managed, so many farms allow visitors to eat freshly picked grapes without washing them first. However, if you prefer to wash them, some farms have washing areas where you can rinse the fruit before eating.

3. Useful Things to Bring for Grape Picking

Before visiting a grape farm, it is useful to prepare the following three items.

• Wet wipes

Grape juice can make your hands sticky, so bringing wet wipes will make it easier to clean your hands while you are at the farm.

• Insect repellent

Because farms are surrounded by nature, you may encounter mosquitoes and other insects. Bringing insect repellent can help prevent bites.

• Comfortable walking shoes

You will often be walking on soil inside the farm. Flat, comfortable shoes without heels are safer and will help prevent your feet from getting tired.

4. Three Recommended Grape Farms Easily Accessible from Tokyo!

Here are three well-known farms in Yamanashi Prefecture that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo.

Nakagomi Orchard

Nakagomi Orchard is a large farm that is very popular with international visitors. The farm has an official English-language website, and the staff are accustomed to welcoming visitors from overseas, making it a comfortable choice for first-time visitors.

Ichikoen

Under the spacious grape trellises, stylish tables and chairs are arranged for visitors. You can sit comfortably in the shade while enjoying freshly picked grapes at your own pace. The farm is also popular on social media because of its beautiful and photogenic atmosphere.

Misaka Farm Grape House

Misaka Farm Grape House offers plans where visitors can enjoy grape picking together with local Yamanashi cuisine, including the famous noodle dish hoto, as well as barbecue. It is a great choice for visitors who would like to experience both fruit picking and Japanese food during the same trip.

There are many other attractive grape farms in addition to the ones introduced here, so be sure to search online and find one that suits your travel plans.

Summary

There are many farms that can be reached from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka in around one to two hours by train or bus. Spend an autumn day surrounded by nature and enjoy some of Japan’s delicious seasonal fruits with your family or friends.