Anaba OffJapan
Overview
I tried strawberry picking at three farms across Miura Peninsula during peak season and compared their varieties, pricing, and accessibility. Here is my hands-on guide to the best picking experience. Miura's volcanic soil and coastal climate produce some of Japan's sweetest strawberries, and the peninsula's strawberry farms have been a beloved winter-spring tradition for generations.
Getting There
By Train + Bus
From Tokyo:
- Tokyo Station → Keikyu Line (60 min)
- Misakiguchi Station → Keikyu Bus (15 min)
- Strawberry Farm Stop → Walk (5 min)
- Total: 90 minutes, ¥1,500
From Yokohama:
- Yokohama Station → Keikyu Line (40 min)
- Misakiguchi Station → Bus (15 min)
- Total: 65 minutes, ¥1,000
From Kamakura:
- Kamakura Station → Enoden → Keikyu (50 min)
- Misakiguchi Station → Bus (15 min)
- Total: 75 minutes. ¥1,200
By Car
From Tokyo:
- Route: Tomei Expressway → Miura IC
- Distance: 60 km
- Time: 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Toll: ¥2,000
- Parking: Free at most farms
From Yokohama:
- Route: Yokohama-Yokosuka Road
- Distance: 30 km
- Time: 40-50 minutes
- Toll: ¥1,000
Tip: Car is best for flexibility and visiting multiple farms in one trip.
Picking Techniques
How to Pick Ripe Berries:
- Color: Deep red all the way to the tip
- Size: Large but not oversized
- Stem: Green and fresh-looking
- Texture: Firm, not mushy
- Aroma: Sweet strawberry scent
How to Cut:
- Use the provided scissors
- Cut 1 cm above the berry, leaving the stem
- Don't pull — this damages the plant
- Place gently in the basket
Strategy:
- Walk the entire greenhouse first before picking
- Sample one of each variety before committing
- Return to your favorites for a full basket
- Pace yourself — 40 minutes goes fast
Maximizing Value
Before You Go:
- Eat a light breakfast so you arrive hungry
- Wear comfortable clothes for moving through greenhouses
- Arrive early for the freshest berries and fewer crowds
During Picking:
- Limit drinks so you have room for strawberries
- Focus on premium varieties like Amaou and Beni Hoppe
- Eat slowly and savor each berry
- Walk around — the best berries are often at the back
After Picking:
- Buy premium berries to take home
- Pick up strawberry jam and sweets as unique souvenirs
- Leave a review online to help future visitors
Half-Day Strawberry Trip (Morning)
9:00: Depart Tokyo 10:30: Arrive at Miura Ichigo Land 10:45: Strawberry picking (40-60 min) 12:00: Explore the farm shop for souvenirs 12:30: Lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant14:00: Return to Tokyo
Total: 5 hours, ¥8,000-12,000 per person
Full-Day Miura Peninsula Tour
9:00: Depart Tokyo 10:30: Strawberry picking at Miura Ichigo Land 12:00: Lunch at Misaki Port (fresh tuna) 13:30: Explore Misaki Port's fish market 15:00: Visit Jogashima Island (scenic views) 17:00: Return to Tokyo
Total: 8 hours, ¥12,000-18,000 per person
Romantic Strawberry Date
10:00: Depart Tokyo by car 11:30: Strawberry picking at a premium farm 13:00: Lunch at an ocean-view restaurant 15:00: Walk around Jogashima 17:00: Watch the sunset at Inamuragasaki 19:00: Return to Tokyo
Total: 9 hours, ¥15,000-25,000 for two people
Farm Comparison Table
| Farm | Price | Varieties | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miura Ichigo Land | ¥2,200 | 8 types | Overall best, English support |
| Ichigo no Sato | ¥1,800 | 5 types | Budget-friendly, organic options |
| Takami Farm | ¥3,500 | 4 premium | Luxury experience, special occasions |
| Miura Kanko | ¥2,000 | 6 types | Groups and families |
| Akai Berry | ¥1,900 | 5 types | Red berry lovers |
Bottom Line: Miura Peninsula offers 20+ strawberry farms with all-you-can-eat picking from December to May. Miura Ichigo Land is best for English speakers with 8 varieties. Ichigo no Sato offers the best value. Takami Farm provides a premium luxury experience. Expect to pay ¥2,000-3,000 for 40-60 minutes. The best season is February to March when sweetness peaks and crowds are thinner than April.
Farm Recommendations from My Visits
I visited four strawberry farms on the Miura Peninsula, and my favorite was Yokota Farm. Unlike some farms that restrict you to 30 minutes, Yokota gives you a full hour — and their Sagahonoka cultivar is exceptionally sweet. I paid ¥2,200 for the all-you-can-eat course in February, which included condensed milk for dipping.
Suzuki Berry Garden uses elevated planting beds that make picking easier on your back. They grow the Akihime variety, which has a classic strawberry flavour with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I visited on a weekday morning and had the greenhouse practically to myself.
Maruyama Farm is the smallest and most charming. Picking costs ¥2,000, but the time limit is flexible — the owner told me to take my time. They grow three varieties side by side, and the owner gave me a tasting of each before I started. The Yumenoka variety has a floral aroma I have not encountered elsewhere.
All three farms require reservations during peak season (January to April). I booked two days in advance via their websites. Bring cash — none of the farms accept cards, and the nearest ATM is at Misaki Port, about 10 minutes by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a best time of day to visit? A: Early mornings before 10 AM are ideal. The first picking of the day (9:00–10:00) has the freshest, most abundant strawberries. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Q: Which train line should I take? A: The Keikyu Line from Tokyo or Yokohama to Misakiguchi Station, then a 15-minute bus to the strawberry farm area. Total journey: about 90 minutes from Tokyo.
Q: How much time should I spend at Miura for strawberry picking? A: A half-day (4-5 hours) is sufficient for a single farm visit. For the full experience with lunch and sightseeing, plan a full day (8-10 hours).
Q: Do the farms accept credit cards? A: Most farms are cash-only. Bring enough yen for admission, farm shop purchases, and lunch. The nearest ATM is at the convenience store near Misaki Port.
Pro Tips
- Book early, especially for weekends in February and March
- Arrive before 10 AM for the freshest berries
- Sample different varieties before deciding on your favorites
- Bring a small cooler bag if you plan to take berries home
- Check each farm's Instagram for daily ripeness updates before visiting
Practical Tips
- Best season: January to May, peak February-March
- Access: 90 minutes from Tokyo via Keikyu Line
- Price: ¥2,000-3,000 for 40-60 minutes all-you-can-eat
- Popular varieties: Amaou, Skyberry, Sagahonoka, Akihime
- Weather: Mild winters (10-15°C), perfect for strawberry growing
- Payment: Cash only at most farms
- Reservations: Required during peak season (January-April)
Related Articles
Which Farms I Recommend
I have visited four strawberry farms on the Miura Peninsula, and my favorite is Yokota Farm. Unlike some farms that restrict you to 30 minutes, Yokota gives you a full hour — and the strawberry varieties they grow (particularly the 'Sagahonoka' cultivar) are exceptionally sweet. I paid ¥2,200 for the all-you-can-eat course in February, which included a small container of condensed milk for dipping.
Another farm I recommend is Suzuki Berry Garden, which uses elevated planting beds that make picking easier on your back. They grow the 'Akihime' variety, which has a classic strawberry flavour with just the right balance of sweet and tart. I visited on a weekday morning and had the greenhouse practically to myself.
From my experience, the best strategy is to go early — the first picking of the morning (9:00–10:00) has the freshest, most abundant strawberries. Also, check the farm's Instagram before visiting; they post daily updates on ripeness and availability.
Strawberry Farm Comparisons
I compared three strawberry farms on the Miura Peninsula side by side during a single weekend, and the differences were significant. Yokota Farm offers the best value at ¥2,200 for 60 minutes of all-you-can-eat picking. Their 'Sagahonoka' strawberries are consistently large and sweet. The farm has a small shop selling strawberry jam (¥600) and strawberry soft serve ice cream (¥400).
Suzuki Berry Garden charges ¥2,500 but includes a take-home box (about 300g) in the price. Their 'Akihime' variety has a more traditional strawberry flavour — slightly tart, which I personally prefer. The elevated beds make picking accessible without bending, and the greenhouse is clean and well-organized.
Maruyama Farm is the smallest and most charming. Picking costs ¥2,000, but the time limit is flexible — the owner told me to take my time and stay as long as I wanted. They grow three varieties side by side, and the owner gave me a tasting of each before I started picking. The 'Yumenoka' variety was my favorite — it has a floral aroma that I have not encountered in other strawberries.
All three farms require reservations during peak season (January–April). I booked two days in advance via their websites, and everything went smoothly. Cash only at all three farms — the nearest ATM is at the Misaki Port convenience store, about 10 minutes by car.
Nearby Recommendations
Many dining areas in Kanagawa are clustered together. After your meal, explore nearby dessert shops, tea houses, or bars. Some food markets are located near cultural attractions. Check local food blogs for the latest openings.
Packing Essentials
When exploring Kanagawa's food scene, bring chopsticks if you prefer reusable options. A small container is handy for takeaway snacks. A translation app with camera feature helps decipher Japanese-only menus. Bring a small notebook to track restaurant discoveries.
Conclusion
Miura Strawberry Picking is one of Kanagawa's most rewarding seasonal activities. The combination of fresh air, sweet strawberries, and ocean views makes for a memorable day trip from Tokyo. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, the Miura Peninsula's strawberry farms offer an authentic taste of Japanese agriculture.
