When people talk about Japan’s fruits, one name always stands out—Aomori, the kingdom of apples. Every year, as harvest season approaches, excitement fills the air. Families, tourists, and fruit lovers eagerly wait for the orchards to open their gates, where they can stroll among endless rows of trees and taste freshly picked apples straight from the branch.
Skipping a visit to Aomori’s apple orchards while in Japan would be a huge missed opportunity!
Why Aomori Apples Are So Special
Whenever Japanese apples are mentioned, Aomori immediately comes to mind. Thanks to its cold climate, fertile volcanic soil, and clean air, the apples grown here are known for their crisp texture, natural sweetness, and higher nutritional value compared to regular apples. Currently, there are around 300 different apple varieties cultivated across the prefecture, and more than 2,000 apple trees flourish in this region.
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A Century of Apple Cultivation
Apple farming in Aomori officially began in 1878 (noted as 1987 in some sources, but historically the cultivation started in the late 19th century). Since then, production has steadily increased. After more than 140 years of development, Aomori now produces about 450,000 tons of apples annually, making up 60% of Japan’s total production and contributing 0.6% of the global supply. This impressive output has firmly established Aomori as the apple capital of Japan.
More Than Just Apples – Aomori as a Travel Destination
But Aomori isn’t only about farming—it’s also a dream destination for travelers. Imagine standing in an endless orchard, stretching as far as the eye can see, with the crisp scent of apples lingering in the breeze. Visitors can take part in apple-picking activities, enjoy fresh apple juice or apple pies made on-site, and even join cooking workshops that feature unique apple-based recipes. These experiences have made Aomori’s orchards one of the most popular attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
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The Best Time to Visit
The ideal season for orchard tours is from early August to mid-November, when the apples are at their juiciest. Orchards are usually open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Standard entry typically costs around 500 yen per person (about 100,000 VND), which allows you to pick and taste three apples directly from the trees.
- For a truly unique experience, some orchards offer the option to harvest an entire tree for around 20,000 yen (about 4 million VND)—a fun choice for families or groups.
More Than Just Apples: Other Fruit-Picking Experiences
One of the most exciting things about Aomori is that the experience changes with the seasons. Depending on the time of year, visitors can also join tours to pick cherries, grapes, and pears. Each fruit season brings its own charm, making Aomori worth visiting again and again.
Whether you’re a fruit enthusiast, a foodie, or simply a traveler seeking authentic Japanese experiences, Aomori’s orchards offer a perfect blend of nature, culture, and flavor. With breathtaking landscapes, delicious fresh produce, and warm hospitality, a visit here promises memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss Aomori’s apple orchards—it’s an experience as sweet as the fruit itself!
