The elevation of Nagano and resulting temperature difference between day and night, bless the region with an ideal climate for growing fruit. As such, Nagano produces some of Japan’s best fruit; most famously, apples, grapes and peaches! The fertile soil of the region cultivates delicious, large fruit acclaimed for its quality and often sold at high prices in the stores of Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond.

— Indulge in Nagano’s Delicious Fruit

— Nagano’s Apples: Some of the Best in Japan

— Fruit Picking in Nagano

— Tours and Charters to Visit Fruit Orchards

Tasting the local fruit is one of the joys of visiting Nagano, an experience best enjoyed in summer and autumn. From July until late-November, local groceries and produce markets will be full of the freshest seasonal varieties to sample and buy. For visitors looking to choose their own, fruit-picking in Nagano is one of the most enjoyable activities from, available at different farms between July and November.

INDULGE IN NAGANO’S DELICIOUS FRUIT

Visitors to Nagano will quickly discover a region blessed with natural beauty and abundance. Home to many of Japan’s highest mountains, spread through several dramatic mountain ranges, Nagano sits at a notably higher elevation than coastal regions. The higher altitude of the region allows for a cooler climate and perfect conditions for growing many types of fruit and vegetables.

It can be said, that Nagano is one of the true food bowls of Japan. The combination of a cooler climate and fertile, volcanic soil is ideal for cultivating some of Japan’s best fruit – most famously: apples, grapes and peaches.

Apples / Best enjoyed: late-September to mid-November

It is said that Nagano’s altitude creates a temperature differential in summer and autumn – hot or warm days but cool nights – ideal for growing apples. As such, Nagano is known throughout Japan for the quality, size, and delicious flavor of its apples.

Growing widely-known varieties including San-Fuji, Jonathan and Akibae along with local varieties including Shinano Sweet and Shinano Gold, Nagano’s apples are highly sought-after and sell for high prices in the markets and stores of Tokyo and Kyoto.

Grapes / Best enjoyed: mid-August to mid-October

Rivalling the fame of Nagano’s apples are its enormous and sweet grapes. Traditionally grown for eating, Nagano is home to a burgeoning wine industry with vineyards spread throughout the region.

Much like apples, Nagano’s climate is ideal for growing grapes including the highly-prized Shine Muscat and large – very large! – Kyoho and Nagano Purple varieties. Picking your own grapes while in Nagano is one of the most enjoyable and delicious experiences you can have.

Peaches / Best enjoyed: August

Known as ‘momo’ in Japanese, peaches are without doubt one of the tastiest fruits grown here. Ripening around August, varieties including Kawanakajima and Akatsuki are known (yet again) for their immense size and sweet, juicy flesh.

Many local farms offer fruit-picking in summer, which in the heat and humidity of the day, is a great way to stay cool under the orchard canopy before devouring your own hand-picked selection.

NAGANO’S APPLES: SOME OF THE BEST IN JAPAN

Visitors to Nagano will quickly notice that apples are everywhere. Home to a huge number of orchards, apples are part of Nagano’s identity as much as the mountains, snow, and monkeys. Indeed, the regional mascot is a green bear with an apple of its head – proof enough that apples are inextricably part of the region’s identity.

It is said that Nagano’s altitude creates a temperature differential in summer and autumn – hot or warm days but cool nights – ideal for growing apples. As such, Nagano is known throughout Japan for the quality, size, and delicious flavor of its apples.

Many farms are family-run with entire villages and towns deriving their income and identity from their apples. Having planted, nurtured and cultivated the orchards over many generations, farmers who welcome visitors from Japan and all over the world to sample and purchase their delicious apples.

Apple season in Nagano runs from mid-September until mid or late-November (depending on the weather conditions of the season). Widely known varieties including San-Fuji, Akibae, Orin and Jonathan are grown in many orchards, along with local varieties including Shinano Sweet and Shinano Gold.

It is said that San-Fuji apples are the most popular variety in Japan and possibly, the entire world. A hybrid variety originating in Japan, these are very large apples with dense flesh and a crisp texture. Highly fragrant their popularity stems from a balanced taste of sweet and sour.

We recommend Shinano Gold which has a distinctive smooth yellow-gold skin, with a crisp texture and sweet, sub-acid flavor. As a medium to large-sized apple, it holds tropical notes of pineapple, pear, and honey, at its best from mid-October to late-November.

From mid-September until mid-November many farms are open to the public and allow fruit-picking directly from their orchards. One of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities available in Nagano during summer and autumn, please refer to our ‘Fruit-picking in Nagano’ section below for further information.

FRUIT PICKING IN NAGANO

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Tenryu River-Rafting & Fruit-Picking
Period	late-April to November
Time	8:00
Meeting Place	Matsumoto Station
Price	¥135,000 ~/ Group

From mid-September until mid-November, many farms are open to the public for fruit-picking and to buy directly from the farmer. Many if not most apple orchards in Nagano are family-run making this a great way to meet the local community and support a traditional industry which has defined many towns and villages for generations.

Apple growing areas including Yamanouchi, Toyono, Suzaka, Iizuna, the Matsukawa Vallley and Azumino are home to numerous farms including apple and peach orchards along with vineyards growing some of Japan’s best grapes.

As the fruit ripens each season, many farms are open to the public allowing visitors to pick their own apples, grapes and peaches. The exact dates depend on the weather and growing conditions of the season however are generally aligned with these periods:

Peaches: August

Grapes: mid-August to mid-October

Apples: late-September to mid-November

For visitors wanting to enjoy fruit-picking in Nagano, we recommend heading to the Azumino region, just outside of Matsumoto City and readily accessible on public transport. Azumino is a tranquil rural enclave known for its beauty and many fruit farms, at which you can enjoy fruit-picking in summer and autumn.

In addition to fruit-picking, Nagano’s markets and stores will be full of delicious produce through summer and autumn. Growing some of Japan’s best fruit and vegetables, many Japanese travel to Nagano just to buy produce which sells for high prices in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

If you are in Nagano through summer and autumn, look for the farmers markets besides roads. Called ‘michi-no-eki’ or ‘road stations’, these are the best places to buy fruit other than directly from the farm itself. Staffed and run by local people, expect a warm smile and appreciation for stopping at their market and supporting their community.

TOURS AND CHARTERS TO VISIT FRUIT ORCHARDS

While there is an abundance of fruit orchards in Nagano, they are not necessarily easy to reach without having your own car. As many international travelers rely on public transport to get around Japan, this could be a roadblock to achieving your goals. Luckily, at Snow Monkey Resorts we offer a number of tours and charters that will make it easy for you to enjoy the fresh produce of the Nagano region.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Tenryu River-Rafting & Fruit-Picking
Period	late-April to November
Time	8:00
Meeting Place	Matsumoto Station
Price	¥135,000 ~/ Group

Including seasonal fruit picking, lunch at a local restaurant, and rafting, this exciting tour makes the best of what southern Nagano has to offer. With options including blueberries, peaches, apples, and grapes available depending on the season, please make an inquiry and ask us what will be available when you want to visit. And of course, bring your swimsuit and a sense of adventure for the afternoon rafting on one of Nagano’s most scenic and exciting rivers.

If you already have an orchard in mind, or want to visit multiple destinations in one day, our private charter service is for you. With door-to-door service, you need only arrange your plans with us and wait at your accommodation for our bus to come and pick you up. If you would like, we can even attach a guide to make it a private tour! Please click HERE for more information on pricing and availability.