A guide to enjoying fruit picking in Fukuoka all year round! Featuring farms with all-you-can-eat options and attached cafes

Fukuoka Prefecture, with its warm climate, offers the enjoyment of fresh fruit year-round. This article recommends seasonal delights such as strawberries (for which Fukuoka ranks second in national production volume), kiwis, grapes, and citrus fruits, along with local brands. Before you head out for some fruit picking, check out the seasonal calendar to see what fruits are available at different periods of the year, and explore farms offering all-you-can-eat options or attached cafes!

Why is Fukuoka's fruit delicious all year round?

The primary reason for Fukuoka Prefecture's thriving fruit cultivation lies in its blessed topography, which also helps to make it a highly accessible travel destination. Within the prefecture, diverse environments are present in close proximity, ranging from warm, sunny plains to mountainous areas with significant day-night temperature differences. This allows producers to select the optimal environment for each fruit, such as strawberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges. Furthermore, mineral-rich soil fertilized by the blessings of the Ariake Sea dramatically enhances the sweetness and quality of the fruit. The combination of these geographical advantages with the superior skills of the fruit producers ensures that Fukuoka's fruit continues to evolve.

Use the Fresh Fruit Calendar to discover treats that change every season!

From early summer blueberries and grapes, through autumn when pears, persimmons, and mandarins ripen, to winter and spring when strawberries and kiwis take center stage—the seasonal relay of fruit nurtured by Fukuoka's land continues uninterrupted throughout the year.

This is the local fruit that is representative of Fukuoka Prefecture!

Fukuoka Prefecture's fruit cultivation techniques and the passion of its producers have come together and blossomed into local brands. Here, we introduce six brand fruits that Fukuoka takes pride in, ranging from classic fruit-picking favorites to rare varieties that cannot be found outside the prefecture.

Amaou

Amaou is the top-tier strawberry brand that everyone knows about. Developed over six years by Fukuoka Prefecture, its name is derived from the first characters of each word in "akai, marui, okii, umai“ (meaning "red, round, large, and delicious”). A key feature is its exclusive cultivation within Fukuoka Prefecture, aimed at preserving its delicious taste and brand value. It boasts a strong sweetness and rich flavor while offering a clean finish. With its plump, rounded shape and large, juicy berries, Amaou is also a popular choice for fruit picking.

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Toyomitsuhime

Toyomitsuhime is an original brand fig that Fukuoka Prefecture takes pride in. Its name comes from "toyo," a character taken from the Buzen Branch of the Fukuoka Prefectural Agricultural and Forestry Research Center in Yukuhashi City, where it was developed, and “mitsu" (the character for "honey") to symbolize its abundant sweetness. It boasts a higher sugar content than other figs, along with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and intense sweetness. Cultivation is permitted only within the prefecture, making it a must-try fruit when visiting Fukuoka in autumn.
Tamamizu

This new pear variety was developed to further advance Fukuoka Prefecture's pears. It has a sugar content about 2 degrees higher than Kosui pears, making it exceptionally sweet! With just one bite, its rich aroma and juicy, refined sweetness spread through your mouth. It is harvested and sold for only two weeks, from late July to early August. It is the anticipated new face heralding the start of the summer fruit-picking season.
Hayamikan

Fukuoka Prefecture's original hayamikan (ultra-early-maturing mandarin oranges) are perfect for enjoying as autumn arrives. They are characterized by a sweetness that seems almost implausible from their vivid green skin, and offer a mellow flavor with subdued acidity. They are harvested for only a brief period from late September to mid-October. With their thin skin that is easy to peel by hand, they are loved by people of all ages.
Akiou

Akiou, crowned as the “King of Autumn,” is a sweet persimmon variety original to Fukuoka Prefecture, developed over approximately ten years. It has a gorgeous appearance, coming in a rich orange color with reddish hues. Characterized by exceptionally high sugar content and a pleasantly crisp texture, its near-absence of seeds is another key point behind its popularity. Cultivated primarily in Ukiha City, it is a star attraction for autumn fruit-picking experiences.
Amaui

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, the Amaui kiwi is alluring with its rich sweetness that defies conventional expectations. It has an exceedingly low level of the acidity that kiwis are known for; rather, it offers a mellow, easy-to-enjoy taste. When cut open, its vibrant golden flesh adds a gorgeous color to autumn and winter tables. Pay close attention to the Amaui's potential. It is steadily drawing fans as Fukuoka's new signature fruit!

Check out the two major fruit-picking destinations

If you wish to try your hand at fruit picking, do not miss the two major production areas of Kurume City and Ukiha City, known as the prefecture's premier fruit kingdoms. As the seasons shift, fruits reach their peak ripeness in succession, so you can experience the sweet joys of freshly picked fruit no matter when you visit.

1. Kurume City

Kurume City is the largest agricultural city in the prefecture. In particular, Tanushimaru Town, located in the eastern part of the city, is a "fruit village” where a wide array of fruits ripen year-round. It is also famous as the birthplace of grape-picking experience for tourists. Its appeal is that it offers harvest experiences almost all year long, featuring Kyoho and Shine Muscat grapes, winter to spring strawberries, and early summer blueberries. With numerous hot springs renowned for their skin-beautifying waters as well as historical spots nearby, visitors can enjoy a fulfilling tour of the area, first savoring freshly picked fruit, then taking time to explore the town.

Search for fruit-picking experience facilities

2. Ukiha City

Ukiha City, cradled in the rich natural embrace of the Minou Mountain Range, is also a leading fruit-producing region in Fukuoka Prefecture. Each season brings an abundance of diverse fruits, including fragrant, juicy peaches in summer, and pears bursting with juice, richly sweet Fuyu persimmons, and figs with a melt-in-the-mouth texture in autumn. You can fully savor the joy of harvest here.

The city actively promotes “fruit tourism.” In addition to roadside stations and direct retail outlets where seasonal fruits are sold, dessert shops can also be found here and there, offering sweets made with a generous amount of fresh fruit. Beyond harvest experiences, indulge in blissful moments that fill both stomach and soul with desserts showcasing professional techniques.

Search for fruit-picking experience facilities

Must-visit for fruit lovers! Introducing farms with all-you-can-eat options and attached cafes

When going on a fruit picking trip, you will want to not only pick the fruit, but also savor the fresh fruit right there! Here, we feature farms offering all-you-can-eat options and farms where you can enjoy desserts made with luxurious amounts of freshly picked fruit.

1. Cherrybell Tourist Farm Fukutsu (Fukutsu City)

This tourist farm is a popular destination for blueberry picking, which peaks from early summer. As the farm cultivates as many as 22 varieties, visitors can sample and compare the differences in sweetness and tartness. The entire farm is covered with mats, so you can wear your favorite clothes without worrying about getting dirty! Its step-free, barrier-free design ensures easy access for visitors with strollers, wheelchairs, and dogs.

Official website of Cherrybell Tourist Farm Fukutsu

2. Ecofarm Yokomizo-en (Kurume City)

Fig season runs from early August to late October. The figs at Ecofarm Yokomizo-en are significantly larger than average and boast an astonishingly high sugar content. Grown with minimal pesticide use, everyone from children to adults can fill their tummies without any worries. Two plans are available: the “Fig Picking Course,” perfect for those who wish to take the figs home with them, and the “45-Minute All-You-Can-Eat Course” that allows you to savor freshly picked figs.

Official Instagram account of Ecofarm Yokomizo-en

3. Lion Fruit Farm (Chikuzen Town)

This is a tourist farm where you can enjoy over 10 varieties of strawberries, including rare original varieties such as “Lion Strawberry” and “Amaou.” The popular “60-minute All-You-Can-Eat Plan” lets you indulge in strawberries to your heart's content. A welcome feature is the elevated cultivation system, which enables harvesting in a comfortable standing position without bending over. Entry is by reservation only during the picking season from mid-December to mid-May. Be sure to book early via the official website.

Official website of Lion Fruit Farm

4. Tourist Farm Blueberry Village (Kurume City)

This blueberry farm is open to the public on weekends, holidays, and during the Obon period from early July to late August. More than 10 varieties are cultivated on the premises. Its biggest attraction is the “unlimited time” all-you-can-eat experience that comes with just the admission fee! Any berries that you cannot finish can be taken home as gifts for an additional fee. The adjoining shop serves up desserts such as soft-serve ice cream and shaved ice. Relax at the cafe terrace while fully savoring the seasonal flavors.

Official website of Tourist Farm Blueberry Village

5. Ukiha Kaju-no-mura Yamandon (Ukiha City)

On this farm, you can enjoy picking various fruits such as grapes, pears, and persimmons throughout the year. A spacious cafe can also be found on the premises. Original sweets like parfaits and tarts, made with generous amounts of freshly harvested fruit, are popular. Here, you can take a leisurely break while enjoying the beautiful view of the Minou Mountain Range. This spot is recommended as a base for Ukiha sightseeing, simultaneously delivering the enjoyment of fruit picking and an exquisite cafe experience.

Official website of Ukiha Kaju-no-mura Yamandon

6. Matsuki Kajuen (Miyako Town)

This fruit orchard is nestled in a lush, natural setting with expansive views of the woodlands and pastoral landscapes. Each fruit is cultivated with care, and the farm is committed to using organic fertilizers, reduced pesticide use, and environmentally-friendly grass cultivation. Fruit-picking experiences are available year-round for strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges. At Fruit Koubou Efu, a kominka-style restaurant on the premises, diners can savor pasta, curry, parfaits, and more made with perfectly ripened fruit cultivated in-house. (*Lunch reservations are unavailable during the peak season from July to September)

Official website of Matsuki Kajuen

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Easy fruit picking on a bus tour!

When you want to go fruit picking but do not have a car, or want to do some sightseeing while at it, the “Yoka Bus” tour is a convenient option for easily exploring the prefecture! It provides smooth transportation from Fukuoka City to popular fruit farms, and there are also courses that include fruit picking, sightseeing, and even lunch.

Tour details and schedules vary by season, so please check the official website for the latest information.

Official website of Yoka Bus

Summary

Fukuoka Prefecture has a warm climate, so you can enjoy fruit picking all year round. Using the seasonal calendar and farm information as reference, plan an enjoyable fruit-picking trip with family and friends.