[Tokyo/Fuchu] Stress-free strawberry picking with kids: a complete guide to when to go, what to bring and how the day goes

Why families with children choose Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm

"I want my kids to eat as many fresh strawberries as they like!" Even so, going out with small children can feel like a big hurdle. But don't worry. Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm is full of thoughtful touches that let moms and dads enjoy themselves with peace of mind too.

• Raised-bed growing that's easy even with a stroller
  We use raised-bed growing, where strawberries grow at about an adult's waist height instead of on the ground. The aisles are designed to be wide, so you can move smoothly through the greenhouse with a stroller. Even while holding your child, you can pick strawberries in a comfortable position without crouching.
• Excellent access from central Tokyo!
  We're in a great location, about an 8-minute walk from Bubaigawara Station on the Keio Line and JR Nambu Line. There's less worry about kids getting fussy on a long trip, and a big plus is how easily you can get here by train from within Tokyo.
• Clean restrooms and hand-washing stations
  Restrooms are the biggest concern on outings with children. We have clean flush toilets and hand-washing stations, so sticky hands can be washed right away, keeping things hygienic.

Best season for strawberry picking and the varieties you can enjoy

If you're going to go, you'll want to go when they taste their best.

When do they taste best? Our recommended time

The strawberry picking season generally runs from late December to around May, but we especially recommend around January to March. Strawberries that slowly build up sweetness during the cold months are large with a rich flavor. Spring break and Golden Week also have warm weather, perfect for outings with children.

Varieties at Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm

We grow varieties such as Yumenoka, which is juicy with a nice balance of sweet and tart, and Yotsuboshi, which is fragrant and very sweet. (The varieties available to pick vary with the time of year and how they're growing.) Come and taste as a family the sweetness of fully ripe, just-picked strawberries that's hard to find at the supermarket.

A walk through your strawberry picking day!

Here's how the day goes, from arrival to the end of strawberry picking.

1. Arrival and check-in

Please come to the farm a little before your reservation time and give your name at reception. We'll hand you a tray for strawberry picking and a cup of condensed milk.
If you're coming by car, please use a nearby coin parking lot. Weekends get crowded, so public transportation is the smoother option.

2. A short talk from farm staff

Our staff will carefully explain how to spot delicious strawberries, how to pick them without damaging them, the rules in the greenhouse and more. "The ones that are red right up to the green top are delicious" is a handy hint for searching together with your kids.

3. Strawberry picking begins!

At last, it's the strawberry picking you've been waiting for! Within the time limit (usually 30 minutes), enjoy as many bright red, ripe strawberries as you like.

A must-read for moms and dads: what to bring and what to watch for with kids

Here's what to get ready in advance so you can enjoy strawberry picking comfortably with your children.

Handy packing list

• Wet wipes or hand towels: Strawberry juice tends to make hands and mouths sticky, so these are a must.
• Feeding apron or bib: Keeps juice from splashing onto clothes and staining them.
• A change of clothes: It's reassuring to have a set just in case clothes get dirty.
• Trash bag: Lets you quickly gather used tissues and the like.

What to wear

Depending on the weather, it can get pleasantly warm in the greenhouse even in winter. For children and adults alike, we recommend layers you can easily put on and take off to adjust to the temperature. Please also wear sneakers that are easy to walk in.

Things to watch for at the farm

• Please don't run: There's equipment in the greenhouse, as well as other visitors. To prevent unexpected injuries, please keep your eyes on your children and remind them to walk.
• About our hardworking honeybees: Honeybees fly around the greenhouse to help pollinate the strawberries. They almost never sting unless attacked, so please don't swat them away, and just watch them gently.

Frequently asked questions from families with children

Q. From what age is there a charge?
A. At Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm, elementary school students and older pay the adult price, children aged 3 and up who haven't started elementary school pay the child price, and children 2 and under are free. (Please check the booking page on our official website for the latest prices.)

Q. Is a reservation required? Can we just drop in on the day?
A. We adjust the number of visitors according to how the strawberries are growing, so we're reservation only. Please be sure to book in advance.

Q. Can we get condensed milk refills?
A. Condensed milk is free, and so are refills! Changing up the flavor lets you enjoy plenty right to the end without getting tired of the taste.

Spend your family's special day off at Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm!

From a small child's first strawberry picking to your family's annual tradition, Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm will do all it can to help you make wonderful memories.

Weekends and holidays book up especially quickly, so once you've decided on dates for spring break or a long weekend, we recommend booking early.

All of our staff look forward to seeing your smiles, and we'll have bright red, sweet strawberries ready and waiting for you!