Welcome to ICHIGO WORLD, a delightful oasis tucked away in the charming countryside of Japan. This unique attraction, dedicated to all things strawberry, offers a whimsical and tasty adventure unlike any other. From strawberry picking to indulgent treats, Ichigo World is a must-visit for fruit enthusiasts and families looking for a fun, sweet escape.
Why Visit ICHIGO WORLD
- Strawberry Picking Experience: Delight in the hands-on joy of picking fresh strawberries directly from the farm. A family-friendly activity that combines fun with the sweet reward of eating your pickings.
- Strawberry-based Culinary Delights: Indulge in an array of strawberry-based treats, from classic desserts to innovative culinary creations, showcasing the versatility and appeal of this beloved fruit.
- Eco-friendly and Sustainable Practices: Learn about sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly initiatives that emphasize respect for nature and sustainable agriculture.
Rebirth Through Technology: The Story of ICHIGO WORLD
ICHIGO WORLD in Yamamoto town, Miyagi Prefecture, stands as a testament to resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. This town, once famed for its luscious strawberries, faced a devastating setback when over 90% of its farm households were ravaged by a 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In response, Mr. Iwasa, originally from Yamamoto and a former IT company president, founded GRA Co., Ltd. His mission was clear: to help his hometown recover.
Under Mr. Iwasa’s guidance, GRA combined modern IT technology with traditional farming to create the exceptional “Migaki strawberry,” sold for 1,000 yen each. These strawberries aren’t just popular in Japan; they’re also exported internationally. ICHIGO WORLD represents not just the revival of strawberry farming in the region, but also the power of technology and community spirit in rebuilding after a disaster.
Have Your Fill of Strawberries
At the heart of ICHIGO WORLD is the strawberry picking experience. The venue can fit up to 800 guests at a time, making it one of the largest strawberry-picking farms in Japan.
As you step into the fields, you’re given your own container and a complimentary serving of condensed milk—a perfect pairing for the freshly picked strawberries. For an additional fee, you can get an extra serving of condensed milk or opt for the chocolate dip. You have 30 minutes to wander, pick, and taste different strawberry varieties, each offering a unique flavor profile.
What makes Ichigo World unique is its variety of strawberries. You can indulge in exclusive varieties like “Hanamigaki,” known for its flowery scent, “Yotsuboshi,” a rare type with high sweetness and rich flavor, and the newly added “Suzu,” notable for its predominant sweetness over tartness. The types of strawberries available for picking depend on what’s ripe and ready on the day of your visit, adding an element of surprise to your experience.
After getting your fill, don’t forget to explore the shop and cafe. The shop offers a chance to take home fresh strawberries and a variety of strawberry-themed products. And for those who can’t get enough, the cozy cafe serves up freshly-made strawberry sweets, perfect for relaxing after your picking adventure. This experience at Ichigo World is not just about picking strawberries; it’s about enjoying simple pleasures and creating sweet memories.
Information
| Venue | ICHIGO WORLD |
|---|---|
| Open Dates | Jan to May |
| Business Hours | Strawberry Picking Area: 10:00 to15:30 (Last Entry: 15:00) Closes for the day once strawberries are no longer available Shop: 10:00 to 16:00 |
| Reservation | Recommended https://ichigo-world.jp/reserve/ |
| Duration | Eat all you can for 30 minutes |
| Dips | One free serving of condensed milk, ¥50 for second serving onwards. Chocolate dip available at ¥200 each |
| Strawberry Varieties | Hanamigaki, Yotsubashi, Suzu |
| Official Website | https://ichigo-world.jp/ |
Video
ICHIGO WORLD is featured in this video about winter attractions in Miyagi Prefecture. The segment starts at 3:29.
How to Get to ICHIGO WORLD
By Train
Take the JR Joban Line towards Soma and get off at Yamashita Station. From there, it’s a quick 9-minute walk to ICHIGO WORLD.
By Car:
ICHIGO WORLD is just about 10 minutes away from the Yamamoto IC on the Joban Expressway. For your car navigation system, use the address: 12 Yamadera, Yamamoto Town, Watari District, Miyagi Prefecture. Once you get close, look out for ICHIGO WORLD on the right-hand side.
