Hokkaido Fruit Picking Guide | Best Farms by Season
Centered on the town of Niki, known as an "orchard village," Hokkaido offers cherry, grape, and pear picking from summer through autumn. This guide covers a season-by-season fruit calendar, typical pricing, and how to get there.
Why Go Fruit Picking in Hokkaido
Niki, near Otaru, is an orchard village with some of the largest cherry-growing acreage in Hokkaido. Many farms have rain-covered greenhouses, so you can enjoy picking regardless of the weather. The season starts with summer cherry picking, then moves into autumn with grapes, pears, and apples — a different fruit to pick each season.
Recommended Areas for Fruit Picking
Niki (near Otaru)
Known as Hokkaido's "orchard village," Niki is home to several fruit farms growing cherries, grapes, pears, plums, prune plums, and apples. Many farms sit on a hillside with views over the Sea of Japan and the town below, so you can enjoy the scenery while you pick.
Eastern Hokkaido
Some hillside orchards overlooking the mountains of eastern Hokkaido offer unlimited-time, all-you-can-eat picking of seasonal fruit like cherries, blueberries, and plums.
Hokkaido Fruit-Picking Calendar
| Fruit | Approximate Season |
|---|---|
| Cherries | Late June–early August |
| Blueberries | Late July–late August |
| Plums | Early–late August |
| Grapes | Late August–mid October |
| Prune plums | Early September–early October |
| Apples & pears | Mid September–late October |
* Harvest timing shifts with the weather. Please check each farm for the latest information before visiting.
Typical Pricing
Unlimited-time, all-you-can-eat cherry picking runs roughly ¥1,000–1,500 per adult; grape picking is around ¥700–2,000; and pear or plum picking is around ¥500–1,000. Many farms also offer discounted pricing for elementary schoolers and young children.
* Prices change, so please check each farm's official website for the latest information.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
Staff at most farms will show you how to pick, so no special knowledge or equipment is needed. Farms with rain-covered greenhouses let you enjoy picking regardless of the weather.
Family-Friendly for Kids?
Many farms offer family-friendly pricing, such as free admission for young children and discounts for elementary schoolers, making this a great activity for a family trip. Unlimited-time, all-you-can-eat plans let you go at a young child's pace without any rush.
What to Wear & Bring
- Comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty
- A hat and sunscreen (in summer)
- Wet wipes (picking can get your hands sticky)
- A cooler bag if you'd like to take fruit home as a souvenir
Getting There
From Sapporo
By car: About 1 hour to Niki.
By public transport: Farms are typically a 5–10 minute drive from JR Niki Station, and some farms offer taxi transfers.
By taxi: A private charter taxi (MUTO TAXI) is convenient for getting from the station to a farm, or for visiting several farms in one trip.
From New Chitose Airport
By car: About 1.5 hours to Niki.
By public transport: Direct buses from the airport are limited, and transfers may be required.
By taxi: If you'd like to head straight to the farm after landing, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.
Taxi Fares by Area & Related Guides
- New Chitose Airport to Otaru — approx. ¥28,000–33,000
- Sapporo to Otaru — approx. ¥12,000–15,000
- Hokkaido Ranch Experiences
- Cycling in Hokkaido
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time for fruit picking in Hokkaido?
A. Cherries run from late June to early August, and grapes from late August to mid October — the best time depends on which fruit you're after.
Q. Can children join?
A. Yes. Many farms offer free admission for young children and discounts for elementary schoolers, making this popular with families.
Q. Can I still go picking on a rainy day?
A. Farms with rain-covered greenhouses let you enjoy fruit picking even in the rain.
Q. Can I do this as a day trip from Sapporo?
A. Yes — Niki is about a 1-hour drive, making it an easy day trip.
Q. Can I go straight from New Chitose Airport?
A. Yes — by car or taxi, you can head straight from the airport to a farm.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Many farms accept walk-ins, but booking ahead is recommended during peak season.
Q. Can a taxi take me to the farm?
A. Yes. MUTO TAXI offers private charter transfers from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to farms across Hokkaido. Please contact us for details.