Maruzen Sato Orchard - Hokkaido

Maruzen Sato Orchard (マルゼン佐藤果樹園) is one of the many orchards in the town of Mashike. It is a popular fruit-picking destination for tourists during the harvest season. This orchard is located at 256 Shokansawa in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

マルゼン佐藤果樹園
Maruzen Sato Orchard

Maruzen Sato Orchard details

According to its owners, the history of Maruzen Sato Orchard began in 1919 when its founder Zentaro moved from Amarume Town, Yamagata Prefecture to Mashike Town, Hokkaido, and planted apple saplings. Since then, the orchard was passed down from one generation to another further improving it by introducing new fruits and planting techniques. Today, Maruzen Sato Orchard is one of the best places to go if you want to experience fruit picking in Mashike.

Maruzen Sato Orchard - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture

As soon as you step inside the orchard, you'll be greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly grown fruits. Maruzen Sato Orchard is most of the year, but different fruits are in season depending on the time of year. So, make sure to plan your visit accordingly!

Grape picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard






One of the highlights of the orchard is its commitment to using organic fertilizers like fish powder, rice bran, and chicken manure instead of harsh chemicals. This ensures that the fruits are not only delicious but also healthy and safe to eat.


Since I'm already full, I'll buy these and take them home. 

There are actually different varieties of grapes in the orchard

During the summer months, the orchard offers cherry and blueberry picking. These sweet treats are the perfect snack to have on the go, and you can also bring them back to your accommodation to have later.


Team Nicerio tries grape picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard

In August and September, you can also pick plums, prunes, and pears. Then, towards the end of August, you have the chance to pick some of the juiciest grapes in Japan. Finally, in September and October, it's time for the apple season, which runs through December.

We visited last September 3 so it's grape picking season

Apart from fruit picking, Maruzen Sato Orchard offers a range of other experiences including fruit carving classes and cooking with fresh fruits lessons. You'll enjoy learning about the different varieties of fruits and how to use them in your cooking.


If you're considering visiting Maruzen Sato Orchard, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you won't mind getting dirty. The orchard provides all the necessary equipment for fruit picking, so you don't have to worry about bringing anything extra.

Team Nicerio grape picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard








Although, I went grape picking here with my co-teacher and his former students a week prior, My family and I visited the Maruzen Sato Orchard for the first time during our Mashike Road Trip last September 3, 2022. It was my 306th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Our visit to Maruzen Sato Orchard was the highlight of our trip to Mashike. My family and I enjoyed the grape-picking activity and I could safely say that it was worth every yen that we paid as we were about to burst from eating so many grapes during our visit.

Maruzen Sato Orchard Fees

Cherry picking - Adult (junior high school students and older) 750 yen / Child 450 yen
Blueberry picking - Adult (junior high school students and above) 500 yen / Child 300 yen
Grape picking / Apple picking - Adult (junior high school students and older) 850 yen / Child 550 yen

These are all (eat-all-you-can/no-time-limit activities).

Maruzen Sato Orchard Fruit Picking Season/ Operating Hours

Maruzen Sato Orchard is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day. The orchard is closed during the winter season.

Cherry - Early July to early August
Blueberry - Late July to mid-August
Plum - Early August to early September
Prune - Late August to late October
Pear, Japanese pear - Early September to late October
Grape - Late August to late October
Apple - Mid-September to late December

Why visit Maruzen Sato Orchard?

Overall, visiting Maruzen Sato Orchard is an experience you don't want to miss. Not only will you be able to taste some of the freshest, most delicious fruits in Hokkaido, but you'll also be able to learn about the history and tradition of this unique orchard. Make sure to add it to your itinerary the next time you're in the area!

Getting to Maruzen Sato Orchard

 

From Rumoi City, ride the Rumoi – Ofuyu Engan bus. Board down at Mashike Miharashi-cho bus stop. From there, walk for several blocks going to Maruzen Sato Orchard.

Travel time: 
1 hour and 10 minutes
Fare: 430 yen


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