Yamagata Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s leading cherry-producing regions. In early summer, the branches are filled with bright red, jewel-like cherries, and orchards throughout the prefecture bustle with tourists.

Freshly picked cherries are exceptionally sweet and fragrant, and the moment you put them in your mouth, they burst with juice, creating a luxurious taste. Cherry picking allows you to experience both the deliciousness of seasonal produce that can only be experienced locally and the joy of the cherry-picking experience all in one go.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to nine of Yamagata’s most popular and recommended spots. Why not experience a sweet time in the Yamagata countryside, perfect for a family trip, a getaway with friends, or even a date?

Why Yamagata is Popular for Cherry Picking

Yamagata is a popular cherry-picking destination thanks to its incredibly delicious cherries.
Yamagata’s climate, with its large temperature differences between day and night, gives the cherries a rich sweetness, and the fertile soil helps the fruit grow healthy.

Yamagata also has many orchards within the prefecture where you can pick cherries, making them easy to access and choose from. From beginners to families and groups of friends, everyone can enjoy cherry picking with ease.

And best of all, the luxury of being able to taste freshly picked cherries on the spot is something you can only experience in Yamagata. Be sure to try out cherry picking, where you can enjoy the sweet and juicy cherries that are only possible thanks to the careful care of local farmers!

When can you pick cherries in Yamagata?

Cherry picking season in Yamagata usually runs from early June to mid-July.　The peak season is from mid- to late June, when popular varieties such as Sato Nishiki and Benishuho turn bright red. Some farms begin early harvesting in greenhouses from late May, with the large Benitemari cherry varieties appearing towards the end of the season in early July.

The timing varies depending on the weather, so be sure to check the official website or tourist association information before making your trip plans.

Introducing Yamagata’s most representative cherry varieties!

Yamagata Prefecture is known as a renowned cherry-producing region, with many varieties cultivated here. Among these, we will introduce four particularly popular varieties that are often chosen for cherry picking and as gifts. Each has its own unique characteristics, with different tastes, textures, and colors, so it’s great fun to try and compare them.

Sato Nishiki

Sato Nishiki is a variety synonymous with Yamagata cherries and is also known as the “Queen of Cherries.” It has an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity, and its juicy juice fills your mouth. The flesh is soft and easy to eat, making it a variety loved by people of all ages, from children to adults. Peak harvest time is mid- to late June.

Benishuho

Benishuho apples are slightly larger than Sato Nishiki apples and have firm flesh, making them a satisfying variety to eat. They have a high sugar content and a moderate acidity, making them a sweet variety. They also keep well, making them popular as gifts. Harvesting takes place from late June to early July.

Beni Sayaka

Beni Sayaka is a representative early-ripening variety, with an eye-catching, vibrant red color. It has a sweet and sour, refreshing taste and is suitable for making jam and other processed foods. The harvest season is from early to mid-June, making it one of the earliest cherry picking seasons.

Beni Temari

Benitemari cherry blossoms are characterized by their very large berries. They are very sweet, juicy, and satisfying to eat. Harvested in early July, this popular variety marks the end of cherry-picking season.

Enjoy exceptional sweetness in the home of cherry picking! 9 recommended cherry-picking spots in Yamagata

Yamagata, known as a major cherry-producing region, has many spots where you can go cherry picking. This time, we’ll introduce nine recommended cherry-picking spots, so please use this as a reference! *The cherry-picking prices and dates are as of 2025 and may have changed. Please be sure to check the official website for dates and costs before visiting.

Osho Orchards (Tendo City)

This popular spot offers seasonal fruit picking, including cherry picking. Within the spacious orchard, you can pick high-quality cherries such as Sato Nishiki and Benishuho right from the trees and enjoy them on the spot. With barrier-free access and a greenhouse, it’s a great place for everyone, from children to seniors. The direct sales store sells seasonal fruits and homemade sweets, making it the perfect place to look for souvenirs.

Nakano Fruits Tourist Orchard (Tendo City)

At Nakano Fruits Tourist Orchard, you can enjoy tasting and comparing approximately 10 varieties of cherries, including Sato Nishiki, Benishuho, and Beni Sayaka. Many of the trees are low-growing, making them easy for even children and seniors to pick. The orchard also boasts the Fruit Cafe Le Reve, where you can enjoy parfaits and shakes made with fresh fruit.

Takahashi Fruit Land (Kaminoyama City)

Takahashi Fruit Land is a naturally rich orchard overlooking the Zao mountain range. Grown with minimal pesticides and organic fertilizer, the fruits have an exceptional fragrance and sweetness. You can pick cherries in the greenhouse or outdoors, and compare the tastes of various varieties, including Sato Nishiki, Benishuho, Beni Sayaka, Takasago, Taisho Nishiki, and Gassan Nishiki. The attached cafe, “HATAKE STYLE,” serves parfaits and drinks made with home-grown fruit. The facility is barrier-free, making it a popular spot that’s easy to stop by during your sightseeing.

Sakuma Ribe Tourist Farm (Tsuruoka City)

Sakuma Ribe Tourist Farm is home to a wide variety of cherries, including Sato Nishiki, Benishuho, and Gassan Nishiki, all of which can be enjoyed while comparing them within its spacious grounds. The paths are wide and strollers and wheelchairs can be easily accessed, making it perfect for families. What’s more, the farm is grown in greenhouses that are suitable for rainy days, so you can visit regardless of the weather. This farm has a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy seasonal cherries to your heart’s content.

Sansen Tourism Cherry Association Management Center (Sagae City)

Sansen Tourist Cherry Association Management Center is a historic cherry-picking spot located in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture. It has been open as a tourist farm since 1968 and has long been loved by locals. Representative varieties of cherry blossoms such as “Sato Nishiki” and “Benishuho” are cultivated on the farm. The fruit from the tall trees can be harvested using a stepladder, making it a fun activity for both children and adults. They also sell cherries as souvenirs, so you can enjoy the fresh taste of freshly picked cherries at home. This is a recommended spot to enjoy Yamagata’s nature and seasonal cherries with family and friends.

Mahoroba Tourist Orchard (Takahata Town)

Mahoroba Tourist Orchard is a popular tourist orchard located in Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture. The grounds are flat and easy to walk on, and are barrier-free, so even those in wheelchairs or with small children can enjoy the orchard with peace of mind. What’s more, the orchard is grown in greenhouses, so you can pick cherries even on rainy days, which is a great feature.

You can compare the classic Sato Nishiki and the sweet Benishuho varieties, and the long 100-minute all-you-can-eat session means you can enjoy the cherries at your own pace. You can even take home the cherries you harvest as souvenirs. The farm also has a cafe and dog run, so you can take a break or spend time with your dog, which is another reason for its popularity. It’s the perfect spot for an outing with family and friends.

Kokaen (Higashine City)

Kokaen is a casual cherry picking spot in the Higashine area of ​​Yamagata. The covered garden means you can leisurely enjoy picking without worrying about the weather, which is a great perk. Another attraction is that you can enjoy picking not only cherries, but also peaches and apples depending on the season. There’s also a direct sales store, so you can buy some as souvenirs.

Kamimachi Tourist Orchard (Higashine City)

Kamimachi Tourist Orchard is an attractive orchard where you can enjoy safe and secure fruits that are grown using organic fertilizer and with as little pesticides as possible. They hold greenhouse cherry picking and outdoor cherry picking events, and you can enjoy seasonal flavors to your heart’s content with a 20-30 minute all-you-can-pick plan. Another popular point is the complimentary serving of freshly made soba noodles and pickles made with locally grown buckwheat flour, which is a welcome touch of hospitality.In addition to cherries, you can also experience picking seasonal fruits such as peaches, apples, and La France pears, so you can enjoy it all year round.

Makino Tourist Fruit Farm (Kaminoyama City)

Makino Tourist Fruit Farm is a vast orchard at the foot of Mount Zao where you can enjoy cherry picking from early June. From extremely early-ripening varieties to popular varieties like Sato Nishiki, you can enjoy cherry picking at any time of the year. The farm boasts a flat, flat ground and greenhouse cultivation that makes it safe even in rainy weather. The 30-minute all-you-can-eat option makes it enjoyable for seniors, young children, and those with pets.

Things to know before you go cherry picking

To make cherry picking even more enjoyable, it’s important to prepare in advance and know a few tips. Just by paying attention to your clothing, what to bring, and how to pick the cherry, you can greatly increase your satisfaction with the experience.

Here are some points to keep in mind before going cherry picking.

Key points about clothing

Cherry picking often takes place inside greenhouses or outdoors, so it’s important to choose clothing that suits the weather and environment. For this reason, it’s essential to choose shoes that are easy to move around in and walk in. Also, if you’re picking outdoors, be sure to bring a hat and thin, long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the sun. You may get rubbed against tree branches, so it’s best to wear clothing that covers your skin.

Harvesting Tips

The key to choosing delicious cherries is to look for ones that are red all over and have a glossy shine. When harvesting, don’t pull too hard, but instead hold the stem and twist it gently upwards to remove them cleanly. Some farms have rules such as leaving the stem on, so it’s best to listen carefully to the staff’s explanations.

Check out events like morning picking experiences

Cherries are at their most delicious when freshly picked. Morning-picked cherries, in particular, retain their sweetness overnight, making them especially juicy.
Some farms offer special plans for morning picking experiences, or hold unique events like pit-spitting contests.

Additionally, popular spots offering seasonal sweets, such as parfaits made with freshly picked cherries, are also gaining popularity, so be sure to check them out beforehand!

Summary

Cherry picking in Yamagata is a unique experience, available only during the limited season from June to July.　There’s nothing quite like the moment you pick the sparkling red cherries with your own hands on a spacious farm and taste them on the spot. Each farm has its own unique atmosphere and the characteristics of the varieties, so you’ll make new discoveries every time you visit.

It’s a great way to have fun with the family, or spend time taking photos with friends. Not only can you savor the flavors of the season, but you’ll also get to experience Yamagata’s nature and warmth of its people, so be sure to give cherry picking a try in Yamagata!