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

When it comes to Yamagata Prefecture's specialty, it is undoubtedly cherries. Yamagata Prefecture's cherries, which account for approximately 70% of the country's production, reach their peak harvest in the summer, and the area is crowded with people who come to pick cherries. So this time, I would like to introduce you to the cherry picking circumstances in Yamagata Prefecture that you should know about.

What types of cherries can be harvested in Yamagata Prefecture?

The most famous type of cherry is Sato Nishiki. The secret to its popularity is its large grains and moderate sweetness and sourness. Other cherries that are harvested include Napoleon and Takasago, which are said to have been brought over from America, and Beni Sayaka, a large, dark vermilion cherry. Many farms grow Daisho Nishiki because it has a lot of juice and has a long shelf life.

When is the best season to pick cherries?

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The best season for cherry picking is from June to July, but the timing varies depending on the variety. Sato Nishiki, Takasago, and Beni Sayaka peak from early to mid-June, while Napoleon, Daisho Nishiki, and Benishuho peak from late June to early July.
In order to enjoy cherries that are at their best, it's a good idea to research the peak of the variety you're looking for before going cherry picking.

Recommended cherry picking spots in Yamagata Prefecture

Within Yamagata Prefecture, cherry farms are mainly found in Yamagata City, Tendo City, Kaminoyama City, and Higashine City.
We will introduce recommended places for each.

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 Kamiyama IC and is often visited by tourists. It's usually open from early June to early July, and you can enjoy all-you-can-eat cherries for 40 minutes for 1,200 yen. Kurosawa Onsen Kisaburo Ryokan is nearby, making it convenient for overnight stays.

INFORMATION

name	Kisaburo cherry garden
address	Kurosawa Matsuki Kawara, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-2311
telephone number	023-688-5885
URL	http://kisaburo.jp/cherry/
GOOGLE MAP

Tendo City

Tendo City, famous for its hot springs, has many cherry farms! Many people enjoy picking cherries while on a hot spring trip. Hanagasa Orchard, located about 10 minutes by car from Tendo Onsen, grows not only cherries but also peaches, grapes, and apples, so you can enjoy seasonal fruits. The rain shelter provides peace of mind even in rainy weather.

INFORMATION

name	Hanagasa Orchard
address	820 Kamioginoto, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture 994-0053
telephone number	023-653-7667
URL	http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~hanagasa/
GOOGLE MAP

Kaminoyama City

Kamiyama Fruit Farm is said to be the birthplace of Daisho Nishiki. The appeal is that you can enjoy a variety of varieties, including the rare variety Early Summer Kaori, and the very popular Sato Nishiki, Nanyo, and Daisho Nishiki. We also sell a variety of fruits such as peaches, La France fruits, and apples, so why not buy some as souvenirs?

INFORMATION

name	Yamagata Cherry Land (Kamiyama Tourist Fruit Garden)
address	1241-47 Mikami Han Road, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3223
telephone number	023-674-2345
URL	https://www.k-fruit.jp/
GOOGLE MAP

Higashine City

A recommended cherry farm in Higashine City, the birthplace of Sato Nishiki, is Maki Farm, where you can choose a course. In addition to the standard all-you-can-eat menu, there are original courses where you can enjoy plenty of high-quality cherries in a luxury garden. For a limited time only, you can pick strawberries outdoors and receive Yamagata's famous tama konnyaku, which is a great feature of the service.

INFORMATION

name	Maki Farm
address	3-8-25 Chuohigashi, Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3729
telephone number	080-1811-9304
URL	http://www.makinoen.com/
GOOGLE MAP

summary

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