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Okay, can we talk about the smell for a second? The moment you step into one of these greenhouses, it hits you. That sweet, sugary, perfumed air that practically screams “Japan.” If you have ever bought a pack of supermarket berries back home and tasted nothing but sour water, get ready for a shock. Japanese strawberries are basically candy that grows on plants. It is officially Strawberry Picking (Kanji: 苺 / Hiragana: いちご / Romaji: ichigo) season here, which usually runs from deep winter through spring. I know, eating summer fruit while wearing a down coat feels wrong, but trust me on this. It is the absolute best time to go because the cold weather makes the berries sweeter.
For the longest time, I was convinced I had to pack up the car and drive all the way to at least Saitama or Chiba to try this experience. I used to dread the logistics of it. Stuck in traffic on the Aqua Line with a toddler who needs to pee? No thank you. I honestly went into panic mode just thinking about the drive. But then I found out we can do this right here in our backyard! Finding out there was Strawberry Picking (Kanji: 苺狩り / Hiragana: いちごがり / Romaji: ichigogari) right here in Kanagawa changed my life.
Yey! It is hands down my favorite activity to do with my son because it is clean, safe, and he actually eats the stuff we pick. Though, fair warning, it gets sticky. I actually started buying these heavy-duty wet wipes in bulk on Amazon just for trips like this because the tiny packets they give you at the convenience store never cut it. If you are stressing about planning a family outing that isn’t a total nightmare, worry not. I have rounded up the best spots that are super easy to access from Yokohama so you can skip the road trip stress and get straight to the eating.
Why Strawberry Picking in Kanagawa is Special
You guys, I honestly thought “going to a farm” meant mud, bugs, and me losing my mind trying to keep my son from eating actual dirt. I was fully prepared to ruin a pair of sneakers. But Kanagawa totally surprised me. The farms here, especially the ones near Yokohama and Yokosuka, are often these high-tech, futuristic greenhouses that are cleaner than my living room.
A lot of them use this raised cultivation method, which means the berries are hanging at waist height. You do not have to crouch down! My back was so grateful. Plus, it is surprisingly accessible. If you are like me and the thought of navigating narrow Japanese country roads sends you into a spiral, you will be happy to know that many of these spots are just a quick train or bus ride away.
The main event here is the All-You-Can-Eat (Kanji: 食べ放題 / Hiragana: たべほうだい / Romaji: tabehoudai) system. Usually, you get 30 minutes to stuff your face with as many berries as physically possible. I know 30 minutes sounds short, and I definitely panicked at first thinking I had to speed-eat to get my money’s worth. But trust me, you get full fast.
Another thing that blew my mind is that they give you a little plastic tray with a section for Condensed Milk (Kanji: 練乳 / Hiragana: れんにゅう / Romaji: rennyu). dipping fresh strawberries in sweetened milk is a game changer. Just be careful with the drip factor. I actually started keeping a stain remover pen in my bag that I bought in a bulk pack on Amazon because my son manages to get red juice on his white shirt every single time.
What to Expect (The Mom Perspective):
- The Clock is Ticking: Most places operate on a strict 30-minute time limit. Do not waste time taking 500 photos at the start! Eat first, selfie later.
- Reservations are Mandatory: These places are popular. I usually book our slots on Klook or the farm’s site weeks in advance because showing up with an excited kid and getting turned away at the door is my actual nightmare.
- It Gets Toasty: Even if it is freezing outside, the greenhouses are kept at a balmy temperature. Dress in layers so you can strip off that heavy winter coat once you step inside.
- Varieties Galore: You aren’t just getting one type of berry. Many farms in Kanagawa offer multiple varieties like “Beni-hoppe” (Red Cheeks) or “Akihime,” so you can do a taste test to see which one you like best.
Top 3 Strawberry Picking Spots Near Yokohama
1. Yokohama Strawberry Park (Tsurumi)
Okay, first up is the spot that totally confused me in the best way possible. When you think of a farm, you probably picture dirt roads and tractors, right? Well, Yokohama Strawberry Park is basically a strawberry laboratory located in the middle of an industrial district near the power plant. It feels super electric and modern. The entire floor is pink, everything is climate-controlled, and there is zero mud. I wore my nice white sneakers here and they actually stayed white! It is arguably the most “Instagrammable” spot on this list, and because it is indoors, you do not have to stress about the weather forecast ruining your plans.
However, getting a Reservation (Kanji: 予約 / Hiragana: よやく / Romaji: yoyaku) here is like trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets. I am not kidding. I went into full panic mode refreshing the page at midnight because slots fill up instantly. If you are planning to go here, you need to be organized. But once you are in, it is bliss. The aisles are wide enough for strollers, and the staff are super helpful. Since I knew I would be taking a million photos against the cute pink walls, I made sure to bring a portable charger that I grabbed on Amazon because my phone battery always decides to die at the most inconvenient moments.
- Access: About a 15-minute bus ride from JR Tsurumi Station.
- Price: Adults roughly 2,500 JPY (varies by season); Kids 1,500 JPY.
- The System: 30-minute all-you-can-eat.
- Panic Rating: High for booking, Low for the actual experience.
2. Tsukuihama Tourist Farm (Yokosuka)
If the Tsurumi park is a boutique, Tsukuihama is the Costco of strawberry picking. It is huge! This is where you go for that classic “field trip” feeling. The best part? You do not need a reservation. Let me repeat that for the moms in the back: NO RESERVATION NEEDED. When I found this out, I almost cried tears of joy because my schedule is chaotic and I can rarely plan weeks ahead. You just take the train to Tsukuihama Station, and there are free shuttle buses waiting to whisk you off to the fields.
But here is the catch. Because anyone can show up, it gets busy. I made the mistake of arriving around 1:00 PM once, and the best red berries had already been picked clean by the morning crowd. I was so mad at myself. You need to get there early. Like, morning early. Also, the fields are big, so wear comfortable shoes. I actually bought a pair of slip-on sneakers on Amazon specifically for days like this because lace-up shoes are a nightmare when you have to take them off and on at some Japanese entryways (though here you keep them on, they are just great for walking).
- Access: short walk or free shuttle bus from Keikyu Tsukuihama Station.
- Price: Adults approx. 2,000 JPY; Kids (3+) approx. 1,500 JPY.
- The System: 30-minute all-you-can-eat with condensed milk provided.
- Panic Rating: Low for planning, Medium for crowds.
3. Ichigos Yokohama Farm (Totsuka)
This spot in Totsuka is for the serious strawberry connoisseurs. While the other places are great for the general experience, Ichigos focuses heavily on the quality and variety of the fruit. They often have multiple types of berries growing, so you can compare the taste. I had no idea that different strawberries could taste so distinct until I came here. It is also a “hanging” style farm, meaning the planters are suspended from the ceiling or on high racks.
The Reception (Kanji: 受付 / Hiragana: うけつけ / Romaji: uketsuke) is pretty straightforward, but you do need to book in advance. What I love about this place is that it feels very local. It is less touristy than Tsukuihama and less “theme park” than Tsurumi. It is just good, honest farming. If you are worried about cleanliness, worry not. It is spotless. Just remember that it is a greenhouse, so it gets hot. I always dress my son in layers because he goes from shivering to sweating in about five minutes flat.
- Access: About 10 minutes by bus from Totsuka Station or East Totsuka Station.
- Price: Adults approx. 2,500 JPY; Kids approx. 1,200 JPY.
- The System: 30-minute all-you-can-eat.
- Panic Rating: Medium (Requires booking, but usually less chaotic than Tsurumi).
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Hunt
Listen, I learned these lessons the hard way so you do not have to. My first time going, I was a hot mess. I wore a thick wool sweater, arrived at 2:00 PM, and had a meltdown because I was sweating and there were no good berries left. Do not be me. Here is the cheat sheet for surviving and thriving.
First off, you have to go early. I know, dragging the kids out of the house in the morning is a military operation, but the best red berries are usually gone by noon. This is especially true at big places like Tsukuihama. If you arrive late, you are basically scavenging for leftovers. Second, let’s talk fashion. You might think “it is winter, I need my parka,” but these farms use a Plastic Greenhouse (Kanji: ビニールハウス / Hiragana: ビニールハウス / Romaji: biniru hausu). Inside that plastic bubble, it is basically tropical. I strongly suggest dressing in layers. I usually wear a light tee under my coat so I can peel layers off when the heat hits. Also, wear shoes you can slip on and off easily just in case, though most Yokohama spots let you keep them on.
Now for the pro mom hack: Condiments. Most farms provide condensed milk, which is delicious, but did you know some places let you BYO toppings? I saw a mom whip out a tube of chocolate sauce once and I have never been so jealous in my life. I actually bought a pack of small, leak-proof travel containers on Amazon just so I can smuggle in my own chocolate dip next time without it exploding in my bag. Finally, teach the kids proper etiquette. Do not pull or yank the stem! You have to twist the berry to snap it off. And please, only eat the red ones. Green strawberries are sour and sad.
FAQs About Strawberry Picking in Yokohama
When is the best time for strawberry picking in Yokohama?
January and February are technically the best months if you want the absolute sweetest, most perfect berries. However, prices usually drop in March and April. If you are on a budget, waiting until spring is a smart move.
Do I need a reservation?
It totally depends on where you go. Yokohama Strawberry Park absolutely requires one (and they sell out fast), but Tsukuihama is first-come, first-served. Always check the official website before you leave the house.
How much does it cost?
Generally, you are looking at between 2,000 yen and 3,000 yen for adults for a 30-minute session. Prices for kids are usually around half that, and toddlers are sometimes free.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes! This is the beauty of Japanese efficiency. Most modern greenhouses in Yokohama, like Ichigos and Yokohama Strawberry Park, have wide, paved aisles that are perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. You won’t be off-roading in the mud.
Winter Strawberry Picking in Japan
Honestly, strawberry picking has become one of those core memories for our family living in Japan. There is just something so satisfying about seeing your kid’s face covered in red juice and knowing they are eating something healthy-ish instead of processed snacks. It is a chaotic, sticky, wonderful mess, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Plus, you get to skip the grocery store fruit aisle for a week.
If you are looking for more family fun in the area after you fill up on fruit, check out my guide on things to do in Minato Mirai with kids and other theme parks.
Since you are already in the area, you can grab the Klook Tokyo Yokohama Attraction Pass. It is actually a bit of a hack—it bundles entry to top Yokohama spots like Sea Paradise and the Air Cabin for a cheaper price than buying them individually. It’s the perfect way to burn off that sugar rush before the train ride home.
Have you been to any of these farms? Let me know in the comments.
