Autumn Fruit Picking with Campervan at North Kanto/Koushinetsu Area Guide

🍎 What You’ll Discover in This Guide

• 🍐 Ibaraki Prefecture – Pear Kingdom’s Bounty (Kosui, Hosui, Niitaka, Nikkori varieties)
• 🍇 Tochigi Prefecture – Diverse Mountain Valley Fruits (Ohira-machi Grape Cluster)
• 🌰 Gunma Prefecture – Mountain Foothills Treasures (Satomi Pears, 50+ Grape Varieties)
• 🍇 Yamanashi Prefecture – Grape Kingdom’s Luxury Experience (Shine Muscat)
• 🍎 Nagano Prefecture – Highland Apples (Sun Fuji, Shinshu Brand)
• 🍑 Niigata Prefecture – Okesa Persimmons & Specialties (Organic & Low-Pesticide)
• 🚐 Camping Car-Specific Preservation Techniques & Onboard Cooking Recipes

💡 View Frequently Asked Questions

Embark on Your Freedom Harvest Journey

In the bountiful autumn season, nothing captures the heart quite like a fruit-picking adventure by camping car. Taste freshly picked fruits on the spot, store them in pristine condition in your onboard refrigerator, and journey to the next orchard with family and pets. This level of freedom is the true essence of camping car travel.

The North Kanto and Koshinetsu regions are treasure troves of flavors, each with distinct climates and terroirs. From Ibaraki’s pears to Tochigi’s diverse fruits, Gunma’s mountain foothills bounty, Yamanashi’s grapes, Nagano’s highland apples, to Niigata’s specialties – seasonal delights ripen one after another from late August through December.

With a camping car, you can load abundant harvests worry-free and have a mobile base to rest your weary body. Rain or shine, you’re protected, and you can efficiently visit multiple spots to fully savor the unique flavors of each region.

Ibaraki Prefecture: Pear Kingdom with Fresh Onboard Refrigeration

Renowned as one of Japan’s top pear-producing regions, Ibaraki Prefecture offers multiple pear varieties including Kosui, Hosui, Niitaka, and Nikkori from mid-August through mid-November. With your camping car’s onboard refrigeration, you can preserve that just-picked juiciness perfectly for the journey home.

Yaguchi Fruit Farm (Yaguchi Kajuen) (Kasumigaura City) A historic orchard with over 150 years of tradition, offering unlimited time pear picking from mid-August through mid-November. They cultivate Kosui, Hosui, Niitaka, Shinko and other varieties, welcoming families with pets. Excellent camping car access with spacious parking. For detailed pricing and reservations, please contact the farm directly by phone or website.

Kayaba Tourist Farm (Kayaba Kanko Noen) (Kasumigaura City) Popular as a multi-fruit farm featuring pears, grapes, and chestnuts with 1-hour all-you-can-pick experiences. Excellent-quality Kyoho grape picking and chestnut gathering are also available, making it especially recommended for camping car travelers wanting multiple fruit-picking experiences in one location.

Nearby Attractions

• Michi-no-Eki Kasama: Kasama pottery workshop experience and local produce direct sales for fresh vegetables
• Fukuroda Falls: One of Japan’s three great waterfalls, autumn brings spectacular fall foliage and waterfall collaboration
• Mount Tsukuba: Kanto’s famous peak, cable car to summit for 360-degree panoramic views
• Fukuroda Onsen: Beautiful skin-enhancing hot springs with day-trip facilities accommodating camping cars
• JA Yasato Direct Sales: Fresh vegetables and fruits directly from local farmers, rich in processed goods

Ibaraki Harvest Calendar

• Mid-August – September: Kosui pears, Aikansui pears
• September – October: Hosui pears, grapes (Kyoho, Pione), chestnut picking
• October – November: Niitaka pears, Nikkori pears, persimmon picking
• November: Sweet potato digging

Tochigi Prefecture: Diverse Mountain Valley Fruits to Your Heart’s Content

Blessed with rich mountain valley landscapes, Tochigi Prefecture offers diversity with grapes, pears, apples, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes – nearly all major autumn flavors available. Regional brands like the Ohira-machi Grape Cluster are well established, allowing camping car tours with comparative tastings.

Ohira-machi Grape Cluster (Tochigi City) A major production area where multiple grape farms gather, cultivating Kyoho and many rare varieties from late June through late September. They accommodate group visits by camping car, with regional hospitality being a major attraction. Comparing each farm’s characteristics while enjoying the experience is a delightful feature.

Iwafune Fruit Park (Tochigi City) A reservation-based farm where you can enjoy both pears and grapes, with guidance on optimal harvest timing for each variety. Pears are in season from September through mid-November, grapes from late August through mid-September. Individual sampling service ensures hygiene safety.

Nearby Attractions

• Michi-no-Eki Utsunomiya: Local specialty Tochiotome strawberry sweets popular, large parking lot equipped
• Kegon Falls: Nikko’s representative tourist spot, impressive 97-meter waterfall
• Lake Chuzenji: Beautiful Oku-Nikko lake, especially spectacular during fall foliage season
• Kinugawa Onsen: Kanto’s inner parlor, abundant day-trip hot spring facilities
• Shiobara Onsen: Hot spring village consisting of 11 spring sources, rich natural environment
• Michi-no-Eki Motegi: Adjacent to Twin Ring Motegi, popular with motorsports fans

Tochigi Harvest Calendar

• Late June – August: Grapes (early varieties)
• Late August – September: Grapes (Kyoho), Pears (Hosui)
• September – October: Pears (Akizuki, Nikkori), Apples (early varieties), Chestnut picking
• October – November: Apples (Fuji, Orin), Persimmon picking, Sweet potato digging

Gunma Prefecture: Mountain Foothills Bounty and BBQ Outdoor Gourmet Experience

Blessed with mountain foothills of Haruna and Akagi mountains, Gunma Prefecture’s large day-night temperature differences enhance fruit sugar content. Enjoy the 150-year-old “Satomi Pear” brand and over 50 grape varieties – mountain foothills premium quality flavors.

Kaseda Pear Farm (Takasaki City) A 150-year-old “Satomi Pear Brand” traditional farm cultivating about 30+ pear varieties. Enjoyable from late August through mid-October, with an annexed pear farm café. Individual visits recommend reservations. This multi-fruit farm also grows blueberries, plums, and peaches.

Tourist Farm Akagi-Oroshi A large-scale farm cultivating over 50 grape varieties, enjoyable from late August through late October. BBQ facilities are also available, making it ideal for camping car family trips. This vast orchard cultivates various fruits, and grape variety tasting is a major attraction.

Nearby Attractions

• Michi-no-Eki Komochi: Adjacent to Bokyo-no-Yu, enjoy Mount Akagi’s spectacular views and hot springs
• Ikaho Onsen: Stone stairway stroll and famous golden hot springs, atmospheric hot spring town
• Lake Haruna: Beautiful caldera lake at Mount Haruna’s summit, boat recreation available
• Kusatsu Onsen: One of Japan’s three great hot springs, the hot spring field (yubatake) scenery is must-see
• Michi-no-Eki Kusatsu Undo-Chaya Park: Kusatsu Onsen tourism base, abundant local specialties
• JA Tone-Numata Agricultural Products Direct Sales: Local vegetables and fruits, popular handmade processed goods

Gunma Harvest Calendar

• Late August – September: Pears (Satomi Pears), Grapes (Kyoho, early varieties)
• September – October: Grapes (50+ varieties), Apples, Chestnut picking
• October – November: Persimmon picking, Sweet potato digging
• November: Apples (late varieties)

Yamanashi Prefecture: Grape Kingdom’s Luxury Comparative Tasting Journey

Japan’s premier fruit kingdom, Yamanashi Prefecture’s basin climate with day-night temperature differences and long sunshine hours maximizes fruit sugar content. Delaware, Shine Muscat, Kyoho, Kai-ji, Koshu and other grape varieties can be enjoyed long-term from mid-July through late October.

Tsukaharayama Fruit Farm Fukasawa (Minami-Alps City) Minimal pesticide cultivation ensures safety for small children’s fruit picking. Pear picking available September through October 15th, Western pears until early October. Stroller entry and pet accompaniment possible, ideal for camping car family trips.

Nakagomi Farm (Minami-Alps City) A multi-fruit farm offering grapes, apples, pears, peaches, and cherries. Multiple fruit picking set courses are popular, with English language support available. Dried persimmon making experiences are also offered, allowing enjoyment beyond harvesting to processing experiences.

Nearby Attractions

• Michi-no-Eki Katsunuma Budo-no-Oka: Wine tasting and underground wine cave tours
• Fuji Five Lakes: Spectacular tours of Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu
• Isawa Onsen: Hot spring village with ties to Takeda Shingen, Fruit Kingdom Yamanashi’s hot springs
• Kawaguchiko Onsen: Hot springs with spectacular Mount Fuji views, lakeside resort atmosphere
• Takeda Shrine: Shrine dedicated to Takeda Shingen, power spot for victory luck
• Kofu City Agricultural Cooperative Direct Sales: Local fruit treasure trove, seasonal fruits galore

Yamanashi Harvest Calendar

• Mid-July – August: Grapes (Delaware, early varieties)
• August – September: Grapes (Kyoho, Pione), Pears (Kosui, Hosui)
• September – October: Grapes (Shine Muscat, Kai-ji, Koshu), Apples, Pears (Niitaka)
• October – November: Apples (Fuji, Orin), Persimmon picking, Chestnut picking

Nagano Prefecture: Highland Crisp Air and Apple Charm

Characterized by high altitude and large day-night temperature differences, Nagano Prefecture’s highland climate allows extremely long-period multi-variety apple picking from early August through mid-December. Sun Fuji, Akibae, Shinano Sweet, Tsugaru, Kogyoku, Orin and others offer variety relays for extended enjoyment.

Matsui Farm (Komoro City) Committed to organic cultivation, apple picking available for many varieties from mid-August through early December. Fishing pond, barbecue, and Shinshu Apple Museum auxiliary facilities are abundant, ideal for extended camping car stays. Unlimited time all-you-can-eat is also attractive.

Yamadai Farm (Nagano City) Apple picking for multiple varieties including Sun Fuji, Akibae, Shinano Sweet, and Shinano Dolce from mid-September through late November. Free admission with all-you-can-eat sampling, take-home portions sold by weight. Reservation system ensures reliable enjoyment.

Nearby Attractions

• Michi-no-Eki Obuse: Chestnut specialty area, famous for chestnut confections and as Hokusai’s village
• Zenkoji Temple: Shinshu’s oldest Buddhist temple, non-denominational and open to all visitors
• Kamikochi: One of Japan’s premier mountain scenic areas, pristine streams and mountain views
• Shirahone Onsen: Famous for milky white hot springs, full secluded hot spring atmosphere
• Kamikochi Onsen: Alpine climbing base, highland’s crisp air
• JA Nagano Direct Sales: Shinshu apple and highland vegetable treasure trove, abundant processed goods

Nagano Harvest Calendar

• Early August – September: Apples (Tsugaru, Shinano Red), Pears (Kosui, Hosui)
• September – October: Apples (Akibae, Shinano Sweet), Grapes, Chestnut picking
• October – November: Apples (Shinano Gold, Orin), Persimmon picking (Ichida-gaki)
• November – December: Apples (Sun Fuji), Sweet potato digging

Niigata Prefecture: Sea of Japan’s Bounty and Specialty Treasure Trove

Blessed with abundant water and fertile land, Niigata Prefecture offers rich specialties including Sado Island’s “Okesa Persimmons.” Many farms emphasize organic cultivation and low pesticides, ensuring safe and enjoyable fruit picking experiences.

Shirane Grape Garden (Niigata City Minami Ward) Long-term grape picking from July 19th through early November, a reliable farm striving for complete organic and low-pesticide cultivation. All-weather rest centers are equipped, allowing camping car trips unaffected by weather conditions. Various fruit picking available year-round.

Kosugi Farm (Tsubame City) Multi-variety pear picking including Aikansui, Kosui, Hosui, Nansui, 20th Century, and Niitaka from August 1st through late October. Dried fruit making experiences are also available, offering enjoyment from harvest through processing.

Nearby Attractions

• Michi-no-Eki Niigata Furusato Village: Niigata Prefecture’s largest product center, rice kingdom specialties abound
• Sado Gold Mine: Edo period gold mine ruins, historical romance-filled tourist destination
• Tsukioka Onsen: Excellent skin-beautifying sulfur springs, hot spring town atmosphere also enjoyable
• Senami Onsen: Spectacular hot springs overlooking the Sea of Japan, sunset beauty is exceptional
• Yahiko Shrine: Echigo Ichinomiya’s prestigious shrine, popular as a power spot
• JA Niigata Direct Sales: Koshihikari rice and Sea of Japan seafood, seasonal vegetables and fruits

Niigata Harvest Calendar

• Mid-July – August: Grapes (early varieties)
• August – September: Pears (Aikansui, Kosui, Hosui), Grapes (Kyoho, Pione)
• September – October: Pears (Nansui, Niitaka), Grapes (Shine Muscat), Chestnut picking
• October – November: Apples, Persimmon picking (Okesa Persimmons), Sweet potato digging

Harvest Tips and Delicious Enjoyment Methods

Pears & Apples Harvest by gently twisting the stem upward. Use work gloves and scissors (many farms provide rentals), wrap in newspaper and store in cooler boxes. Refrigerated storage possible for 1-2 weeks. Enjoy processed into compote, jam, or apple pie.

Grapes Cut stems with scissors at the base of clusters, avoid touching fruits directly. Use dedicated baskets, store whole clusters chilled for transport. Refrigerated storage for 3-5 days. Freeze for sherbet or process into jam for enjoyment.

Chestnuts Collect with tongs, careful of burrs. Work gloves and boots essential. Transport in well-ventilated bags, refrigerated and frozen storage possible. Perfect for chestnut rice, candied chestnuts, or roasted chestnuts – representative autumn flavor dishes.

Persimmons Pick including stems, use scissors and work gloves. Wrap individually for transport, store at room temperature or refrigerated. Use for dried persimmons, salads, and diverse cooking applications.

Sweet Potatoes Gently dig up soil, use spades and work gloves. Remove soil, wrap in newspaper for transport, cold dark storage for several months. Enjoy various cooking methods: roasted sweet potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato desserts.

Camping Car-Specific Precautions and Manners

Advance Preparation Pre-booking orchards and confirming large vehicle parking availability is essential. Practice slow driving on farm roads and check for large vehicle entry restrictions in advance.

Clothing and Equipment Long sleeves, long pants, suitable shoes (boots recommended), hats, and work gloves are essential items. Don’t forget insect repellent spray and wet wipes.

Farm Manners Strictly observe farm rules and maintain moderation even with all-you-can-eat options. Learn proper harvesting methods to avoid damaging fruits, and always take trash with you. Consider other visitors and maintain photo-taking etiquette.

Camping Car-Specific Considerations Practice noise consideration for nearby residents and prohibit leaving engines running. Always check latest weather conditions, opening status, and harvest timing information before departure.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🍂 When is the best season for fruit picking in North Kanto & Koshinetsu regions?

The optimal season runs from late August through mid-December. **Late August – September**: Grapes (early varieties) & Pears (Kosui, Hosui), **September – October**: Grapes (Kyoho, Shine Muscat) & Apples (early varieties) & Chestnut picking, **October – November**: Apples (Fuji, Orin) & Persimmon picking & Sweet potato digging, **November – December**: Apples (late varieties). Timing varies slightly by prefecture, so confirming with farms before departure is important. Early morning visits (9-11 AM) allow harvesting fruits in their best condition.

🚐 What are the special benefits of camping car fruit picking?

**Optimal onboard preservation**: Maintain just-picked freshness during transport, **High travel flexibility**: Efficient multi-orchard tours and flexible weather adaptation, **Onboard cooking experiences**: Fresh fruit cooking like apple compote and chestnut rice on-site, **Large storage capacity**: Spacious transport for large harvests and necessary equipment, **Accommodation flexibility**: Cost savings through car camping and RV parks, **Family time**: Maintain private space while traveling, **Economic benefits**: Bulk purchase discounts and inter-farm price comparisons possible.

🍎 Please tell me about each prefecture’s recommended flavors and distinctive farms

**Ibaraki Prefecture**: Pear Kingdom (Kosui, Hosui, Niitaka, Nikkori) Yaguchi Fruit Farm & Kayaba Tourist Farm
**Tochigi Prefecture**: Ohira-machi Grape Cluster (Kyoho, rare varieties) Iwafune Fruit Park
**Gunma Prefecture**: Satomi Pear Brand (150-year tradition) Kaseda Pear Farm & 50-variety grapes at Tourist Farm Akagi-Oroshi
**Yamanashi Prefecture**: Fruit Kingdom (Shine Muscat, Kai-ji, Koshu) Tsukaharayama Fruit Farm & Nakagomi Farm
**Nagano Prefecture**: Apple Kingdom (Sun Fuji, Akibae, Shinano Sweet) Matsui Farm & Yamadai Farm
**Niigata Prefecture**: Okesa Persimmons & Organic cultivation (Shirane Grape Garden & Kosugi Farm)

🥄 Please tell me about harvesting tips and preservation methods

**Pears & Apples**: Gently twist stem upward for harvest, use work gloves and scissors, wrap in newspaper and store in cooler box (refrigerated 1-2 weeks)
**Grapes**: Cut stem at cluster base with scissors, avoid touching fruits directly, store whole clusters chilled (3-5 days)
**Chestnuts**: Use tongs carefully avoiding burrs, work gloves and boots essential, transport in well-ventilated bags, refrigerated/frozen storage possible
**Persimmons**: Pick including stems, use scissors and work gloves, wrap individually for room temperature or refrigerated storage
**Sweet Potatoes**: Gently dig up soil with spade and work gloves, wrap in newspaper for cold dark storage (several months possible)

🍳 What onboard cooking recipes can I make with harvested fruits?

**Apple Compote**: Simmer sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon for 15 minutes on low heat
**Chestnut Rice**: Add peeled chestnuts to rice cooker with rice, season with a little salt
**Fresh Grape Juice**: Crush grapes with blender, strain through gauze for fresh juice
**Roasted Sweet Potatoes**: Wrap sweet potatoes in aluminum foil and cook on camping stove
**Fruit Salad**: Combine multiple harvested fruits for healthy meals
**Hot Apple Cider**: Warm apple juice for perfect autumn evening drinks

⚠️ What are the precautions and manners for camping car fruit picking?

**Advance Preparation**: Farm reservations and large vehicle parking confirmation essential, slow driving on farm roads, check entry restriction areas
**Clothing & Equipment**: Long sleeves/pants, shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (boots recommended), hat, work gloves, insect repellent spray, wet wipes
**Farm Manners**: Strictly follow farm rules, maintain moderation even with all-you-can-eat, proper harvesting methods, take trash with you, consider other visitors
**Camping Car Considerations**: Noise consideration for nearby residents, prohibit leaving engines running, check weather and harvest conditions in advance
**Safety Measures**: Beware of hornets (avoid black clothing and perfume), watch for slippery surfaces, confirm fruit allergies

Loading Harvest Joy for Your Next Journey

Autumn fruit picking by camping car becomes a special journey beyond mere harvest experiences. Taste freshly picked fruits on the spot, preserve their freshness with onboard equipment while heading to your next destination. Enjoying fruit picking at your own pace with family and pets is the true essence of camping car adventures.

Savor the autumn bounty nurtured by the rich nature of North Kanto and Koshinetsu regions alongside your ultimate travel companion – the camping car. The joy of harvest, family bonds, and beautiful landscapes of each region. Everything loaded into your camping car becomes lifelong memories.

Come, start your engine and embark on this fruitful autumn journey!

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