5 Thirst Quenching Summer Fruits of Hokkaido

Summer in Hokkaido is a mirror image of its perfect winter holidays. As being on the Northern most tip of Japan, it is much more dryer comparing to other parts of Japan during summer which can see quite a heavy downfall of rain.

5 Thirst Quenching Summer Fruits of Hokkaido

To escape the oppressive heat which usually peak from June onwards many Malaysians do opt to visit Australia, New Zealand and some to South Africa to enjoy the winter during these months. Not many will consider Japan what more Hokkaido in Summer! To many of my friends traveling to Hokkaido is a synonym to winter holidays! As many travel there to celebrate the Yuki Matsuri or Snow Festival.

Summer in Hokkaido is a mirror image of its perfect winter holidays. As being on the Northern most tip of Japan, it is much more dryer comparing to other parts of Japan during summer which can see quite a heavy downfall of rain. Hokkaido’s cooling summer temperature ranges from 18 Celsius to a 20.4 Celsius, this provides an excellent climate for its fruits and a wonderful summer holiday for you.

Do you know that in Hokkaido alone there are approximately 54 orchards which offer fruit picking? They are scattered throughout the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and many farms are concentrated in Central Hokkaido.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are always used as a token of expression for romance attributed to its heart-shaped. Its no wonder in summer this is the perfect time for Strawberries. Its a gourmet feast of strawberry based desserts from pastries, pancakes, soft-serve ice cream to its premium Strawberry Choco by Rokkatei Confectionery Co. Many orchards offer all-you-can eat tours for a fee.

Starting June Strawberries are in season. Sasaki Fruit Garden is one of the many orchards in the central region which is near to two other destination which you can visit – Hoheikyo Dam and Jozenkei Hot Spring. If you are in the southern region, Ogawa farm is also near Mt. Hakodate – which offers an amazing night view at the night observatory.

2. Cherries

Cherries are in season from late June onwards to August. Ohashi Cherry farm is located in Ashibetsu area which is near the famed Furano Lavender fields and also the Asahiyama Zoo. It is the first Cherry Farm in Hokkaido and has received the highest award by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. There are more than 30 varieties of cherries.

* Did you know Ashibetsu is known as the city where the stars fall? Due to its low the density of the area and is 90% surrounded by forest, at night it seems the starts rain down from heaven earning its nickname as city where the stars fall.

3. Hokkaido Melons

In May 2016, a pair of melons from Yubari, Hokkaido fetched a record breaking 3 million yen in an auction beating the record in 2008 and 2014 where a pair of melons was auctioned off at a record breaking 2.5 million yen. These melons or better known as “Yubari King” is grown only in Yubari Town hence the name. Other municipal which grows them are only Kyowa Town and Furano City. It is worth visiting during summer and tasting these exquisite melons. Albeit these are sure to tantalize those who have expensive taste buds.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are also one of the fruits available in Hokkaido during summer. Albeit it is tiny in size, this little fruit pack a punch in anti-oxidant and its juicy flavors burst into the mouth once consume fresh from the farm.

Explore Maruzen Sato Orchard in Mashike, on the Northern part of Hokkaido. The orchard in itself is 100 years old and is committed to only using organic fertilizers such as fish powder, rice bran, chicken pudding for its plants. Truly one of the few farms committed to such. Blueberries can be plucked from late July till late August. Besides blueberries, they do have cherries and grapes according to season.

5. Blue Honeysuckle berry

The Ainu people of northeastern Hokkaido, are indigenous people of Japan and Russia. Thought to have only 25,000 people officially, unofficially there are thought to be more than 200,000 people assimilated with the local Japanese people. The blue honeysuckle berry also known as Haskap has been a traditional food to the Ainu and has been called longevity fruit. As they believe it gives perpetual youth and longevity. It is packed with ten times more anthocyanin than blueberries and also rich with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, iron and dietary fiber.

Kaneda Berry Farm, is situated in the Eastern Hokkaido. The flowers bloom in May to June and then produced the fruits in late July.

Leading into the Autumn season in Hokkaido, you will see the fruits more variety fruits, such as apples, grapes, peach and even prunes. Hence not only it is a time to enjoy the beautiful colours of the trees, but one can also enjoy the variety of fruits in Hokkaido!

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