Orchard Picnic
Dainty Lunch in the Shade of the Apple Trees
Imagine sauntering among hundreds of fruit trees with a picnic hamper in hand, the majestic silhouette of the Alps rising in the background. You can pick a spot in the shade of an apple tree, lay your blanket, and feast on an exquisite lunch.
It seems like a scene out of a movie, doesn’t it? Well, here in Matsukawa you can experience it for real and live out your picnic fantasy.
About
With a fruit farming history going back 100 years and over 600 orchards, Matsukawa is one of Japan’s major fruit destinations.
From early June to late November, tree branches ripen with all kinds of fruit. Cherries, blueberries, plums, prunes, and peaches in the summer. All kinds of pears and apples in the fall.
And if the prospect of sweet, juicy fruit is not enough to entice you, Matsukawa also offers some of the loveliest sceneries imaginable. The majestic silhouettes of the Japanese Alps rise in the background while the elegant mass of the well-pruned orchards stretch in all directions as far as the eye can see.
Book our picnic and drop by one of Matsukawa’s well-kept orchards for one afternoon of leisure. We will provide everything you need for the perfect picnic, from a waterproof blanket to a hamper full of delicious treats, so all you have to do is show up.
・Cherries: June
・Peach: Mid of July to August
・Prunes: End of July to the Beginning of September
・Plums: Beginning of August to the Beginning of September
・Japanese Pears: End of August to End of October
・Apples: End of August to End of November
・Grapes: Beginning of September to Mid of October
Schedule
Reserve
Look up our host farms and pick one you like.
Pick up your picnic basket
Stop by Matsukawa Tourism Center to receive your picnic blanket and your basket. You can come anytime between 11:00 and 13:00.
The basket has everything you need, from dishware to napkins, so you only need to bring a bottle of water or some other drink.
3.Head to the host farm
Get in the car and go to the host farm you picked at the reservation.
The farmer will welcome you and show you the facilities.
There is no time restraint to your visit to the orchard, so we recommend you take your time and relax. Pick one spot you fancy under the tangled branches of a pear tree grove or in the shade of a thick apple tree, lay out your blanket, and enjoy.
Some orchards sell their own juice, cider, and wine. So why not buy a bottle to accompany your lunch?
After eating, you can lay back on the blanket and relish the fragrant air and balmy wind. And if you get a bit hungry, you can go fruit picking. (Please pay the orchard directly if you decide to give fruit picking a try)
You can stay at the orchard until closing time (16:00).
4.Return the basket and blanket to the farmer
Please roll up the blanket and put the used dishes back in the basket. Leave everything at the farm and head to your next destination.
(Orchard Stay) 11:00～16:00
What is on the menu?
Of course, when it comes to a successful picnic, food and location go hand in hand. Our menu features gourmet food prepared with the freshest, locally sourced products, such as seasonal fruit and vegetables from Matsukawa’s orchards, tender pork raised in the area, and freshwater fish.
Inside your hand-crafted picnic basket, you will find
- seven assorted appetizers,
- one vegetable sandwich,
- one pork and apple sauce sandwich,
- soup,
- a jar salad,
- a refreshing fruit dessert,
- and a small bottle of apple juice.
*As we use seasonal ingredients, the menu changes depending on what time of the year you visit.
The minimum number of participants is two adults.
Each adult needs to order a portion, but children can share their parents’ meals.
Price
3,000 yen per meal
for 2 to 10 persons
Host Farms
Below you can find the list of host farms you can choose from.
Marukame Orchard
Large family-run orchard stretching over two hectares. The farm grows prunes, pears, and apples. Some of their fruit trees are over 60 years old.
● Apple Harvest: Late August – Until the end of November
- Apple cider and juice available for sale
- Pets allowed (medium-sized dogs up to 10kg)
Kayama Farm
This is an intimate little farm, tucked away out of sight.They grow cherries, grapes, and apples.
- Juice available for sale
- Pets allowed
Fruit Farm Yoneyama
A farm specialized in Fuji apples, which also grows blueberries, cherries, and pears on the side.
●Blueberry Harvest: Mid-June – Late July
●Apple Harvest: Late August – Late October
- Juice available for sale
- Pets allowed (medium-sized dogs only)
Ringo no Oka Farm
Cozy farm perched on top of a hill. Their harvest includes cherries, blueberries, peaches, and apples.
● Blueberry Picking: Late June – Mid-July
● Peach Picking: Mid-July – Late July
● Apple Picking: October
- Juice & Apple Cider for Sale
- Pets Allowed
Yuzawa Farm
On top of growing blueberries, pears, apples, and kiwis, this farm makes an original hard cider.
● Apple & Pear Picking: September – November
- Juice & Apple Cider for Sale
- Pets Allowed
Marutomo Okuda Farm
This farm offers cherries, grapes, apples, and a great view on both the central and southern Alps.
- Juice & Apple Cider for Sale
- Pets Allowed
FAQ
What happens if it rains?
In case of rain, we will arrange the picnic at an orchard provided with a roofed space.
※ The picnic will be cancelled if there is a chance of extremely bad weather, like typhoons, heavy rain and flood warnings, and other emergency situations.
What is the cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation by the guest, the following policy will apply.
10~2 days prior: 30% of total amount
1 day prior: 50% of total amount
Day of activity: 100% of total amount
Do you cater for special diets and allergies?
Please inform us well in advance and we will change our menu accordingly. (Please be aware that we don’t have a separate set of pans and dishes dedicated to people with allergies. )