[Yamagata] Sato Nishiki and Beni Sayaka... Enjoy cherry picking in Yamagata and 4 recommended cherry picking spots!

When it comes to Yamagata Prefecture's famous products, cherries are undoubtedly one of its most famous. Yamagata Prefecture accounts for approximately 70% of the nation's cherry production, and the peak harvest season is in the summer, when the prefecture is bustling with people who come to pick cherries. Here, we'll introduce you to some essential information about cherry picking in Yamagata Prefecture


What types of cherries are harvested in Yamagata Prefecture?

The most famous of all cherries is Sato Nishiki. The secret to its popularity is its large size and just the right amount of sweetness and acidity. Other varieties that are harvested include Napoleon and Takasago, which are said to have been brought over from America, and the large, deep crimson red cherries known as Beni Sayaka. Taisho Nishiki is grown in many farms because it has a lot of juice and lasts a long time


When is the best season for cherry picking?


The best season for cherry picking is from June to July, but the timing varies slightly depending on the variety. Sato Nishiki, Takasago, and Beni Sayaka reach their peak in early to mid-June, while Napoleon, Taisho Nishiki, and Benishuho reach their peak in late June to early July
To enjoy cherries at their best, it's a good idea to check the peak season for the variety you want to pick before going cherry picking


Recommended cherry picking spots in Yamagata Prefecture

Cherry farms can be found mainly in Yamagata City, Tendo City, Kaminoyama City, and Higashine City in Yamagata Prefecture.
We will introduce recommended locations in each city.


Yamagata City

Compared to the other three cities, Yamagata City has a slightly smaller number of farms, but among them, Kisaburo Cherry Farm is close to Yamagata Kaminoyama IC and is a popular tourist destination. It is open from early June to early July each year, and you can enjoy all-you-can-eat cherries for 40 minutes for 1,200 yen. Kurosawa Onsen Kisaburo Ryokan is nearby, making it a convenient place to stay

INFORMATION

nameKisaburo Cherry Picking Garden
addressKurosawa Matsukigawahara, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2311
telephone number023-688-5885
URLhttp://kisaburo.jp/cherry/
GOOGLE MAP

Tendo City

Tendo City, famous for its hot springs, is home to many cherry farms! Many people enjoy cherry picking as part of their hot spring trip. Among them, Hanagasa Orchard, located just a 10-minute drive from Tendo Onsen, grows not only cherries but also peaches, grapes, and apples, allowing you to enjoy fruits that are in season. The rainproof greenhouses make it safe even on rainy days

INFORMATION

nameHanagasa Orchard
address820 Kamioginoto, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, 994-0053
telephone number023-653-7667
URLhttp://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~hanagasa/
GOOGLE MAP

Kaminoyama City

Kaminoyama Fruit Farm is said to be the birthplace of Taisho Nishiki. Its appeal lies in the fact that you can enjoy a variety of varieties, including the rare Hatsu-Natsu no Kaori, as well as the popular Sato Nishiki, Nanyo, and Taisho Nishiki. They also sell a variety of fruits, including peaches, La France pears, and apples, so why not buy some as souvenirs?

INFORMATION

nameYamagata Cherry Land (Kaminoyama Tourist Fruit Garden)
address1241-47 Mikamihan Road, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-3223
telephone number023-674-2345
URLhttps://www.k-fruit.jp/
GOOGLE MAP

Higashine City

Maki Farm, located in Higashine City, the birthplace of Sato Nishiki cherries, is a recommended cherry farm where you can choose your course. In addition to the standard all-you-can-eat option, they also offer original courses, allowing you to enjoy plenty of high-quality cherries in a luxurious orchard. For a limited time, you can pick strawberries outdoors, and receive a free serving of Yamagata's famous ball konnyaku

INFORMATION

nameMaki Farm
address3-8-25 Chuo Higashi, Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-3729
telephone number080-1811-9304
URLhttp://www.makinoen.com/
GOOGLE MAP

summary

Yamagata Prefecture is home to a variety of high-quality cherries that are hard to find in normal times, so if you're visiting Yamagata Prefecture between June and July, be sure to stop by a cherry farm. You'll discover the charm of cherries that you've never noticed before


Other articles