- Discovering Harvest Joy on the Open Road
- 【Tottori Prefecture】Sand Dune Blessings and Mount Daisen Views
- 【Shimane Prefecture】Mountain Treasures in Mythical Lands
- 【Okayama Prefecture】Luxurious Harvest Experiences in Fruit Kingdom
- 【Hiroshima Prefecture】Family Farms with Sera Plateau Breezes
- 【Yamaguchi Prefecture】Setouchi Blessings and Mountain Delicacies
- 【Tokushima Prefecture】Regional Delights Along Fruit Road
- 【Kagawa Prefecture】Agricultural Experiences in Sanuki Satoyama
- 【Ehime Prefecture】Kuma Kogen Apples and Satoyama Bounty
- 【Kochi Prefecture】Scenic Fruit Picking Overlooking Pacific
- Harvest Tips and Enjoyment Methods
- Manners and Precautions
- Conclusion: Autumn Luxury Only Camper Vans Can Provide
Discovering Harvest Joy on the Open Road
As autumn breezes caress your cheeks, why not embark on a fruit-picking adventure through the Chugoku and Shikoku regions in a camper van? Travel at your own pace, savor fresh fruits right where you pick them, and spend nights under star-filled skies—this is the ultimate camper van travel experience. The ability to transport large quantities of harvest without worrying about luggage is a unique advantage of this travel style. Today, we’ll introduce carefully selected autumn fruit-picking spots with excellent parking facilities and high reliability.
※All photos used in this article are for illustration purposes only and are not related to any specific fruit farms or facilities.
【Tottori Prefecture】Sand Dune Blessings and Mount Daisen Views
Sweet Memories in the Homeland of Nijisseiki Pears
Sankouen (Tottori City) A century-old pear orchard located near the famous Tottori Sand Dunes. With spacious parking suitable for camper vans, you can enjoy pear picking from late July to late November. Experience the elegant sweetness created by the unique day-night temperature differences of sandy soil while comparing various varieties including the famous Nijisseiki pears.
Mori no Kuni (Daisen Town) A comprehensive leisure facility where you can enjoy chestnut picking and sweet potato digging while admiring the magnificent views of Mount Daisen. From September to early November, experience harvest programs combined with satoyama walking. Sweet potatoes grown in Daisen’s black volcanic soil offer exceptional sweetness.
Nearby Attractions
- Tottori Sand Dunes (Japan’s largest sand dunes with camel experiences)
- Kaike Onsen (Hot springs with stunning ocean views)
- Michi-no-Eki Daisen Megumi no Sato (Rich in local specialties)
【Shimane Prefecture】Mountain Treasures in Mythical Lands
Abundant Fruits Nurtured by Izumo Soil
Watanabe Kanko Farm (Yasugi City) A barrier-free elevated cultivation farm offering about 20 grape varieties from August to October. With ample parking space for camper vans and no reservation required, it’s perfect for casual visits. The wheelchair-accessible design ensures the whole family can enjoy the harvest experience.
Kinta Farm Berryne (Gotsu City) During chestnut picking season from early September to early October, witness the mystical sea of clouds created by river mist from the Gono River. The early morning cloud sea is particularly beautiful, making it worth camping overnight in your camper van.
Nearby Attractions
- Izumo Taisha Enmusubi Onsen Yurari (Popular as a matchmaking hot spring)
- Michi-no-Eki Kirara Taki (Sea of Japan views and seafood)
- Iwami Ginzan (World Heritage historic silver mine)
【Okayama Prefecture】Luxurious Harvest Experiences in Fruit Kingdom
Supreme Sweetness in Premium Grape Sanctuary
Mimasa Farm (Mimasaka City) The largest tourist farm in northern Okayama Prefecture, offering high-quality grape picking from mid-August to early October. Enjoy unlimited access to premium varieties like Muscat of Alexandria and Pione that Okayama is famous for. Dedicated parking areas for camper vans are available.
Ishihara Fruit Farm (Okayama City, Higashi Ward) A historic fruit farm with 170 years of history, specializing in large, seedless “Taishuu-gaki” persimmons. Harvest experiences are available from mid-July to mid-November. You can also enjoy grapes and pears, making it possible to taste multiple fruits in one visit.
Nearby Attractions
- Okayama Korakuen (One of Japan’s three famous gardens)
- Yunogo Onsen (Leading hot spring of Mimasaka’s three hot springs)
- Michi-no-Eki Kume no Sato (Fresh local vegetables and specialties)
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Family Farms with Sera Plateau Breezes
Highland Bounty for the Whole Family
Hirata Kanko Farm (Miyoshi City) A comprehensive farm offering year-round fruit picking. In autumn, experience harvesting grapes, pears, apples, and figs. The “Choudo-gari” ticket system allows efficient enjoyment of multiple fruits. Camper van sites are also available for overnight experiences.
Sera Taiho Farm (Sera Town) Located in the heart of Sera Plateau, this family-friendly farm offers three major fruits: grapes, pears, and apples. With BBQ facilities available, you can enjoy outdoor cooking with local ingredients alongside your harvested fruits.
Nearby Attractions
- Sera Kogen Farm (Beautiful seasonal flower fields)
- Kimita Onsen Mori no Izumi (Hidden mountain hot spring)
- Michi-no-Eki Sera (Treasure trove of local specialties and fresh vegetables)
【Yamaguchi Prefecture】Setouchi Blessings and Mountain Delicacies
Seeking Mine Brand Chestnuts
Seda Farm (Shunan City) A comprehensive fruit farm offering grapes, pears, and apples. The pear harvest season extends from early August to late December, accommodating late autumn fruit picking. Located with views of the Seto Inland Sea, you can enjoy beautiful scenery alongside harvest experiences.
JA Yamaguchi Atsuho Chestnut Sorting Facility (Mine City) Home of the brand chestnut “Atsuho-guri,” offering chestnut sales from mid-September to mid-October. Large, sweet Atsuho chestnuts are highly regarded nationwide. Easily accessible location for camper vans. ※Currently sales only, chestnut picking experiences are not available.
Nearby Attractions
- Akiyoshido Cave (Japan’s largest limestone cave)
- Yuda Onsen (Historic hot spring town in Yamaguchi City)
- Michi-no-Eki Mito (Mine specialties and local gourmet)
【Tokushima Prefecture】Regional Delights Along Fruit Road
Special Pears in Awa Countryside
Fruit Garden Yamagata (Naruto City) A farm offering pear picking of Tokushima’s original variety “Uzushio Pear” from mid-August to late September. Features 60-minute all-you-can-eat plans with souvenir included, plus BBQ facilities. Perfect for camper van family trips.
Kuwamura Grape Farm (Awa City) Located along Route 318’s “Fruit Road,” offering quality grape picking from mid-August to late September. Multiple fruit farms and direct sales shops are scattered around the area, making fruit comparisons enjoyable.
Nearby Attractions
- Naruto Whirlpools (Spectacular views from Onaruto Bridge)
- Iya Onsen (Hidden valley hot springs)
- Michi-no-Eki Ai Land Udatsu (Indigo dyeing experiences and specialties)
【Kagawa Prefecture】Agricultural Experiences in Sanuki Satoyama
Touching Traditional Satoyama Culture
Konan Agream (Takamatsu City) An agricultural exchange facility offering harvest experiences for persimmons, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and other varieties, plus cooking experiences. With educational aspects promoting urban-rural exchange, it provides valuable experiences from a food education perspective.
Nearby Attractions
- Ritsurin Garden (National Special Place of Scenic Beauty)
- Konpira Onsen (Hot springs at Kotohira Shrine’s gate)
- Michi-no-Eki Sora no Yume Mominoki Park (Seto Inland Sea views)
【Ehime Prefecture】Kuma Kogen Apples and Satoyama Bounty
Highland Fruits in Shikoku’s Karuizawa
Hino Kanko Apple Farm (Kuma Kogen Town) A highland fruit farm offering about 12 varieties from 350 apple trees using reduced-pesticide cultivation, available from late August to late November. The high altitude location with significant day-night temperature differences produces exceptionally sweet apples. September offers the most variety selection.
Eco Farm Uchiko (Uchiko Town) A farm offering organic grape picking from early August to early September. Families can safely enjoy grapes grown using environmentally conscious cultivation methods.
Nearby Attractions
- Dogo Onsen (One of Japan’s oldest hot springs)
- Uchiko Town Historic District (Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District)
- Michi-no-Eki Uchiko Fresh Park Karari (Local specialty treasure trove)
【Kochi Prefecture】Scenic Fruit Picking Overlooking Pacific
Niyodo Blue Streams and Mountain Bounty
Kokuzozan Kanko Farm Fruitland (Sakawa Town) Located near mountaintops with panoramic views of Togano Plain. Enjoy pear, apple, and mandarin picking while experiencing Kochi’s magnificent nature alongside harvest activities.
Dokonjou Chestnut Farm (Shimanto City, Nishi-Tosa) A steep-slope chestnut farm conducting chestnut sales from September to mid-October. Harvested chestnuts are sold as “Poppo-guri” at roadside stations, beloved as regional specialties. Enjoying chestnuts alongside Shimanto River’s clear streams is exceptional. ※Sales only
Nearby Attractions
- Shimanto River (Japan’s last clear stream)
- Ashizuri Onsen (Scenic hot springs overlooking Pacific Ocean)
- Michi-no-Eki Yotte Nishi-Tosa (Shimanto River’s bounty)
Harvest Tips and Enjoyment Methods
Fruit-Specific Harvesting Points
Pears & Apples: Harvest by pushing up the stem area. Ripe fruits come off with light pressure. Store in refrigerator for 1-2 weeks; wrapping in newspaper extends freshness.
Grapes: Cut entire clusters from the base with scissors. White powder (bloom) on grape surface indicates freshness. Store whole clusters in bags in refrigerator.
Chestnuts: Collect chestnuts that have fallen from spiny burrs. Work gloves essential. Soak collected chestnuts overnight in water; remove any that float as they contain insects.
Sweet Potatoes: Don’t pull stems; dig around carefully to avoid damaging tubers. Air-dry in well-ventilated areas for several days to increase sweetness.
Simple Cooking Methods
- Baked Apples: Core apples, stuff with butter and sugar, bake in oven for 30 minutes
- Chestnut Rice: Boil and peel chestnuts, cook together with rice
- Dried Persimmons: Peel and hang in well-ventilated areas
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Wrap in aluminum foil, bake in camper van oven for 45 minutes
Manners and Precautions
Basic Manners
- Strictly follow farm rules and staff instructions
- Harvest only what you can consume; avoid waste
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Always take your trash with you
Safety Measures
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for getting dirty
- Don’t forget insect repellent and hats
- Stay hydrated frequently to prevent heat exhaustion
- Check for allergies beforehand
Camper Van-Specific Considerations
- Consider harvest load capacity and observe weight limits
- Protect fruits from damage during transport with cushioning materials
- Use refrigeration facilities to maintain freshness
- Confirm in advance whether farm parking accommodates large vehicles
🍂 Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about camping car fruit picking in Chugoku & Shikoku
Conclusion: Autumn Luxury Only Camper Vans Can Provide
Fruit picking by camper van offers special experiences unavailable through typical day trips. Large storage capacity allows unlimited harvest enjoyment, while high mobility enables efficient touring of multiple farms. Above all, the luxury of savoring freshly harvested fruits while gazing at beautiful local landscapes is exceptional.
The autumn flavors nurtured by the rich natural environment and warm climate of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions will become precious treasures coloring your travel memories. Since prices and operating conditions vary at each farm, please check official websites or call ahead for details. At your own pace, with family and friends, enjoy unforgettable autumn harvest experiences.
(For detailed information about prices and operating hours at each location, please contact official websites or call directly)
