Season

Strawberry picking season
When does it start and end?

Strawberry picking season runs from winter to spring. Here's how the flavor changes through the season, how to choose when to go, and when the season runs at Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm.

Check availability and book Tokyo Strawberry Picking Guide

Strawberry picking runs from around December to May

Strawberries naturally ripen from spring to early summer, but today most are grown in greenhouses and harvested from winter through spring. As a result, strawberry picking season in most areas runs from around December to around May.

Around Tokyo, many pick-your-own farms open around January and close around May, while some start in mid-December and others continue into June. Dates vary by farm and by year, so check the information from the farm you want to visit.

How the season changes

When should you go?

Even within the same season, the flavor of the berries and how comfortable your visit is change over time.

December

Start of the season

At some farms, strawberry picking starts as early as mid-December. Around Tokyo, more farms start in January.

January–February

Best for sweetness

The balance of sweetness and tartness is said to be good and the berries firm, and this period is often introduced as the best time to go. It is also said that the berries get sweeter because they ripen slowly in the cold.

March

Spring break season

Warmer weather makes it a great time for an outing. It overlaps with spring break in Japan, so bookings can be harder to get. Once you've chosen a date, we recommend booking early.

April–May

End of the season

As it gets warmer, the berries become softer and juicier. There are plenty of berries, and some farms lower their prices during this period.

Days and times

Less crowded days and times

Weekdays are relatively quiet

Strawberry picking tends to get busy on weekends and holidays, and bookings fill up early. If you'd like a relaxed visit, we recommend a weekday.

Go early in the morning

Right after opening, there are plenty of ripe red berries left. Greenhouses get warmer in the afternoon, so the morning is the best time to go.

At Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm

Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm: usually early January to late May

At Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm, strawberry picking usually runs from early January to late May. The start and end shift slightly depending on how the strawberries grow that year, and we decide the opening day and when online booking opens by watching how the berries are doing.

What kinds of strawberries can you eat?

Our main variety is Yumenoka, sweet with a gentle tartness. We also grow several others, such as Kaorino, Benihoppe and Yotsuboshi (varieties may change from year to year). Comparing their flavors is part of the fun of strawberry picking.

Read about Yumenoka Read about Yotsuboshi

Rainy days are okay too

Strawberry picking takes place inside a greenhouse, so rain won't spoil your plans. Even in winter it's warm inside, warm enough to take off your coat.

Book online 24 hours a day

Our farm is reservation-only. Online booking is open 24 hours a day, so you can check availability and book whenever the idea strikes.

Easy to reach by train

An 8-minute walk from Bubaigawara Station on the Keio Line and JR Nambu Line. It's about 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku, so it's easy to go even on the spur of the moment.

💡 Check availability anytime on the booking calendar

Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

When does strawberry picking season start and end?＋−

In most areas, from around December to around May. At Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm, the season usually runs from early January to late May, shifting slightly depending on how the strawberries grow.

When is the best season for strawberry picking?＋−

If sweetness matters most, January–February is recommended. March–April is warmer and easier for outings, but March overlaps with spring break in Japan and bookings can be harder to get.

Can I go strawberry picking in December?＋−

At some farms the season starts as early as mid-December. Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm usually opens in early January.

Can I go strawberry picking in summer?＋−

In summer, strawberry picking is limited to a few farms in Hokkaido and highland areas that grow summer-autumn strawberries. Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm's season usually runs until late May, and outside the season you can enjoy strawberry desserts at Tokyo Strawberry Cafe, run by our farm.

Tokyo Strawberry Cafe

Can I go strawberry picking on a rainy day?＋−

Most pick-your-own farms are in greenhouses, so you can enjoy picking even on rainy days. Fuchu Strawberry Picking Farm is also a greenhouse, warm enough even in winter that you can take off your coat.