1. Cherry-picking

The cherries lined up over the counter are delicious, of course, but freshly picked cherries are even better.

The special experience that can only be had through cherry-picking is sure to become a wonderful memory of your trip.

That’s why I’d like to introduce three recommended points for “cherry-picking.”

① Freshness is key for cherries

Freshness is the key to delicious cherries!

They taste better when eaten soon after harvest.

This means that it tastes best when eaten cherry-picking.

Cherries do not ripen further, so they are harvested when they are ripe and red, but that’s not all.

The larger the cherry, the tastier it is, so one of the joys of cherry-picking is being able to choose the delicious looking cherry yourself.

Cherries cannot be stored for long, which is why fresh cherries are so valuable.

② Because they are small, you can eat a lot of them

Cherries are small fruits, so you can eat a lot of them.

This is not the case with larger fruits.

The taste varies depending on the tree, and the same tree will have a different taste depending on where it is located.

Even the 30-minute all-you-can-eat option is quite satisfying.

➂ You can eat a variety of cherries

The variety that most of you are familiar with is probably Sato Nishiki cherries.

In fact, there are many types of cherries, and many different varieties are grown in Yamagata.

There are varieties that are not often available, and cherry-picking is unique in that you can compare the different types.

The variety of cherries available changes depending on the time of year you visit for cherry-picking, so no matter how many times you visit, you’ll always find something new.

2. Types of cherries

It is said that there are over 1,500 varieties of cherries, with around 30 varieties cultivated in Japan.
Among them, Sato Nishiki cherries boast overwhelming popularity and recognition.

The balance of sweetness and sourness is exquisite, and anyone who tries it will find it delicious.

Recently, it has also become common to see variety drinks such as Benishuho and Gassan Nishiki over the counter.

This time, we will introduce five recommended varieties, including a less familiar variety, that you should definitely try.

・Sato Nishiki cherries

This variety was created in 1912 by crossing Ogyoku (Yellow Jade) and Napoleon.
This was a groundbreaking variety that changed cherries, which until then had mainly been used for processing, into ones that could be eaten raw.
This king of cherries is highly sweet and has an exquisite acidity that will captivate anyone who eats it.

[Harvest time] Mid-June to late June
[Sweetness] 14 degrees to 18 degrees, can reach 20 degrees or more

・Benishuho

Benishuho is a late-ripening variety that is harvested about two weeks later than Sato Nishiki cherries.
This variety is a cross between Sato Nishiki cherries and Tenko Nishiki cherries, and is characterized by its firm flesh and high sweetness.

[Harvest time] Late June to early July
[Sweetness] 18 degrees to 21 degrees

・Gassan Nishiki

Gassan Nishiki is characterized by its yellow fruit.
Variety was originally founded in Dalian, China.
It is characterized by its large fruit and sweetness, with almost no detectable sourness.

[Harvest time] Mid-June to mid-July
[Sweetness] Over 20%

・Taisho Nishiki

The flesh of Taisho Nishiki is firm and very sweet, making it very satisfying to eat.
What’s more, it is a late-ripening variety that can be harvested from early to mid-July, so you can enjoy it even after the Sato Nishiki cherries have finished.

[Harvest time] Early July to mid-July
[Sweetness] 20% or more

・Beni Sayaka

Beni Sayaka is a variety that was selected and grown by crossbreeding Sato Nishiki cherries and Seneca.
Because it is an early-ripening variety, it will be available over the counter in early June.
The color is deep red to purple-black, and the darker the color, the sweeter it is.

[Harvest time] Early June to mid-June
[Sweetness] 14 degrees to 19 degrees

3. Enjoy cherry-picking

・When is the recommended time to visit?

The cherry-picking season varies from orchard to orchard, but those that grow cherry blossoms in greenhouses start around late May, while those that grow cherry blossoms in the open field start around June 10th.

In addition, some orchards that grow late-maturing varieties continue to harvest until around July 10th.

If you want to try Sato Nishiki cherries, we recommend making a reservation around mid-June.

Benishuho and Taisho Nishiki are in season from late June to early July.

Harvest times vary depending on the weather conditions of the year, so it may be a good idea to ask directly at the orchard you’re interested in.

・From frequently asked questions

Q: What should I wear?
As long as you wear clothes that are easy to move in, you’ll be fine.
However, you may need to use a ladder to pick cherries that are high up, so pants are recommended over a skirt.
As an aside, cherries grown high up in the sunlight are delicious, so be sure to try them.

Q. Can I do it on a rainy day?
Cherries will crack if exposed to rain, so most orchards have rain shelters.
That’s why you can enjoy cherry-picking even on rainy days. (This may vary depending on the orchard.)

Q. Can children and the elderly enjoy it?
Some farms even leave low branches so that children can enjoy the garden.
Please check their website for more information.

5. Recommended orchards that can be booked through VISIT YAMAGATA

・Orchard comparison

We have summarized the features of the orchards that can be booked through VISIT YAMAGATA.

There are various periods, fees, and times, so try to find an orchard that suits you.

Now, let me introduce each orchard in detail.

・[Yamagata City Yamadera] Uguisu no Yado Tourist Orchard

[※ Cherry-picking experience temporarily suspended]
Due to the current unstable growing conditions, we are temporarily suspending the acceptance of new applications for the cherry-picking experience.

We will inform you again once we have a schedule for resuming operations.

<Period>
June 7 (Sat.) to 29 (Sun.), 2025
[Important] For customers who make reservations after June 25 towards the end of the season, we may be forced to ask you to cancel due to the progress of growth and extremely high temperatures, which may cause a decline in quality. Thank you for your understanding.

Activity fee
[Monday to Thursday]
Adult (elementary school and above) : 1,600 yen
Children (preschoolers) : 800 yen
[Friday]
Adult (elementary school and above) : 1,800 yen
Children (preschoolers) : 900 yen
[Saturdays, Sundays and holidays]
Adults (elementary school and above) : 2,000 yen
Children (preschoolers) : 1,000 yen
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Hours
9:00~/10:00~/11:00~/12:00~/13:00~/14:00~
Time required : About 40 minutes
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Recommended points
● Comes with Yamadera’s specialty “Chikara Konjac”
● You can also enjoy sightseeing in Yamadera
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1973-1533 Yamadera, Yamagata City 999-3301
☎ 023-695-2404 (9:00~17:00)

・[Kaminoyama City] Takahashi Fruit Land

Period
June 7 (Sat.), to July 10 (Thu.), 2025

Activity fee
● 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan
・Adult (junior high school students and above)
≪Normally≫ 2,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 2,300 yen
・Child (elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 2,000 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,700 yen
・Preschool children (ages 3 to elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 1,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,200 yen
*Free for children under 3 years old
******************************

Hours
Morning plan : 9:00~11:30
Afternoon plan : 12:00~15:30
*However, the event period may change depending on the weather, etc.
******************************

Recommended points:
・A stylish café is attached
・A greenhouse plan is available (more information here )
・Early bird discount plans available (details here )

・[Kaminoyama City] Kimura Tourist Orchard

Period
June 9 (Mon.) to June 30 (Mon.), 2025

Activity fee
● 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan
・Adult (junior high school students and above)
≪Normally≫ 2,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 2,300 yen
・Child (elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 2,000 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,700 yen
・Preschool children (ages 3 to elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 1,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,200 yen
*Free for children under 3 years old
******************************

Hours
Morning plan : 8:30~12:00
Afternoon plan : 13:00~16:00
*However, the event period may change depending on the weather, etc.
******************************

Recommended points:
・We provide thorough support for everything from home use to gift preparations

・[Kaminoyama City] Makino Tourist Fruit Garden

Period
June 7 (Sat.) to 30 (Mon.), 2025
Activity fee
● 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan
・Adult (junior high school students and above)
≪Normally≫ 2,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 2,300 yen
・Child (elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 2,000 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,700 yen
・Preschool children (ages 3 to elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 1,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,200 yen
*Free for children under 3 years old
******************************

Hours
Morning plan : 8:30~11:30
Afternoon plan : 12:00~16:00
*However, the event period may change depending on the weather, etc.
******************************

Recommended points:
・There is a special park for pets

・[Kaminoyama City] Himawari Farm

Period
June 10 (Tue.) to 30 (Mon.), 2025

Activity fee
● 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan
・Adult (junior high school students and above)
≪Normally≫ 2,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 2,300 yen
・Child (elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 2,000 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,700 yen
・Preschool children (ages 3 to elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 1,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,200 yen
*Free for children under 3 years old
******************************

Hours
Morning plan : 9:00~12:00
Afternoon plan : 13:00~16:00
*However, the event period may change depending on the weather, etc.
******************************

Recommended points:
・Children welcomed

・[Kaminoyama City] Saito Tourist Orchard

Period
June 10 (Tue.) to 30 (Mon.), 2025

Activity fee
● 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan
・Adult (junior high school students and above)
≪Normally≫ 2,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 2,300 yen
・Child (elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 2,000 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,700 yen
・Preschool children (ages 3 to elementary school students)
≪Normally≫ 1,500 yen → ≪Online discount≫ 1,200 yen
*Free for children under 3 years old
******************************

Hours
Morning plan : 9:00~11:30
Afternoon plan : 13:00~15:30
*However, the event period may change depending on the weather, etc.
******************************

Recommended points:
・Wheelchair users can also enjoy

・[Kaminoyama City] Yamagata Cherry Land (Kaminoyama Tourist Fruit Garden)

Period
June 7 (Sat.) to 29 (Sun.), 2025

Activity fee
● 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan
・Adult (junior high school students and above): 2,300 yen
・Child (elementary school student): 1,500 yen
・Preschool children (before elementary school): None
******************************
<Time>
Morning plan : Visit between 8:30 and 12:00
・Afternoon plan : Visit between 13:00 and 16:00
*However, the event period may change depending on the weather, etc.
******************************
Recommended points:
The park is so large that the whole family can enjoy it.

6. Tendo City Orchard

Tendo City is not just a place for cherry-picking; it also has a café where you can enjoy cherry parfait and other delicacies.

For more information, see Tendo City’s cherry-picking brochure .

*For information on times and fees, please contact the orchard directly or visit their official website.

7. Sagae City Orchard

In Sagae City, the JA Sagae Nishi Murayama Year-round Tourist Agricultural Information Center is accepting reservations for cherry-picking on its website Marukajiri Sagae.

Clicking on an orchard below will link you to the reservation page on Marukajiri Sagae.

🍒 Common to all orchards
Hours
9:00~16:00
*Please come by 15:00

Internet reservations
Until 17:00 on the day before use

Fees
Adult : 2,500 yen
Elementary school students : 1,300 yen
Children : 800 yen

Visit Time
Variety : Adult-themed “Sato Nishiki cherries”
Mid to late June (tentative)
*Wase Variety will be available from the opening until around June 5

Inquiry Contact
Sakuranbo Hall
☎ 0237-86-1811
* Reception from 9:00 to 18:00
* Open on weekends and holidays

8. Higashine City Orchard

Higashine City offers great deals on Saturday and Sunday mornings (9:00~10:00) and afternoons (14:00~15:00)!

The admission fee will be discounted by 500 yen.
Discount conditions: If you scan the QR code with your smartphone when entering the orchard and register, you will receive a 500 yen discount.

● Junior high school students and above: Regular admission fee: 1,800 yen and up
● Ages 3 and over – elementary school students and under Regular admission fee: 1,300 yen and up

*For information on times and fees, please contact the orchard directly or visit their official website.

9. Cherry-picking experience application

Recommended by VISIT YAMAGATA
🍒 Cherry-picking Activities can be found here▼