Harvester Yakumo (ハーベスター八雲) is a farm and restaurant which brands itself as the “birthplace of herb chicken”. It is located at 365 Hamamatsu in the town of Yakumo, Futami District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Harvester Yakumo |
Harvester Yakumo Details
Founded in 1988 by Takeshi Okawara, a
third-generation president and founding member of Japan's KFC, Harvester Yakumo
has become a trailblazer in agricultural innovation and food safety. Okawara's
mission to continue providing high-quality, domestically raised chickens to KFC
restaurants in Japan led to the creation of an experimental farm, inspired by
the natural farm established by Colonel Sanders in Kentucky. This vision would
eventually shape Harvester Yakumo into a company dedicated to promoting sustainable
farming practices and healthy food production.
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| Harvester Yakumo - Yakumo town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The Birth of Domestic Herb Chicken
Okawara's approach to farming was
revolutionary. Drawing inspiration from the Baikei Library in his family home
and the house from Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, Okawara designed his farm
with a focus on creating a natural, free-range environment for chickens. He
introduced poultry dogs to help raise the chickens in this open environment,
making Harvester Yakumo the first farm in Japan to employ such a method.
The most significant discovery came when
the chickens began nibbling on the herbs growing around the farm. After
observing that these herb-fed chickens had less subcutaneous fat and reduced
odor, Okawara partnered with a feed manufacturer to develop what became known
as "herb chickens." Harvester Yakumo is now recognized as the
birthplace of domestic herb chicken, a healthier and more sustainable
alternative to conventionally raised poultry.
Photos outside Harvester Yakumo
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| Harvester Yakumo Arch as seen from Panorama Road |
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| Harvester Yakumo's facade |
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| Harvester Yakumo's parking area |
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| Map of Harvest Yakumo |
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| Reminder to visitors |
A Commitment to Food Safety and Local
Consumption
From its inception, Harvester Yakumo has
been deeply committed to food safety, sustainable agriculture, and supporting
local communities. The company has continued to collaborate with local
residents to promote food safety and encourage the consumption of locally grown
produce. These efforts have not only focused on animal husbandry but also on
healthy vegetable cultivation, ensuring that the farm's practices align with
the community's values.
Inside Yakumo Harvester
Harvester Yakumo dishes
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| Harvester Yakumo menu |
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| We tried Harvester Yakumo's famed herb fried chicken |
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| Yakumo Pork Hamburger Steak |
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| You can also buy some of the products and cook them at home |
History of Harvester Yakumo
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| The easy way becomes harder, the hard way becomes easier |
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| History of Harvester Yakumo |
In addition to its agricultural
initiatives, Harvester Yakumo has played an active role in landscape
conservation. The company's work in the local environment contributed to the
creation of the Hokkaido Prefectural Funka Bay Panorama Park, a scenic area that
helps preserve the natural beauty of the region. This focus on conservation and
community collaboration highlights the company's broader commitment to
sustainability and the preservation of local landscapes.
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| You can also enjoy the sunset on the deck of the restaurant |
Educational Programs and Future Goals
Harvester Yakumo is not only about farming;
it's also dedicated to educating future generations. The company offers summer
vacation classes for children, helping them learn about the importance of food
production, agriculture, and the relationship between humans and nature. By
fostering a deeper understanding of food and farming, Harvester Yakumo hopes to
inspire young minds to appreciate the value of sustainable practices.
Team Nicerio dines at Harvester Yakumo
On April 3, 2023, my family and I had the
pleasure of dining at Harvester Yakumo for the first time during the third day
of our 3-day Birthday Road Trip. It was also my 518th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Harvester Yakumo came highly recommended by our friend
Flong, who was the Yakumo ALT at the time. She told us that the chicken was
delicious, and she was absolutely right! The chicken truly did have a flavor
reminiscent of KFC. As our final stop for the day, we were able to enjoy a
satisfying dinner before the restaurant closed. In addition to the fantastic
food, we really appreciated the warm and inviting ambiance of the restaurant,
making our visit even more memorable.
Harvester Yakumo Menu
You can check the menu of Harvester Yakumo in this 👉LINK👈
Harvester Yakumo Operating Hours
Year-End and New Year's Holidays
Closed from December 30, 2024, to January 3, 2025
April to June, September, and October
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays:
10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
July and August
- Weekdays: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays:
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
November to March
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays:
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Regular Holidays
- March to November: No regular
holidays
- December to February: Closed every
Monday (If Monday is a holiday, the following Tuesday will be closed)
Why visit Harvester Yakumo?
At Harvester Yakumo, the herb-fed chickens
served taste remarkably similar to the beloved flavor of KFC, but with a
healthier twist. Thanks to the farm’s innovative approach, the chickens are
raised in a free-range environment and nourished with herbs, which enhances
their flavor profile while reducing fat and odor. This method results in a
tender, juicy chicken with a savory, slightly herby taste that mirrors the
delicious, crispy goodness of KFC’s signature fried chicken, but with a
fresher, more natural taste. For KFC fans, Harvester Yakumo offers a nostalgic
yet wholesome alternative, where you can enjoy a familiar flavor in a more
sustainable and health-conscious form.
Getting to Harvester Yakumo
From Yakumo Station, proceed to the Yakumo Station-mae bus stop and take the Hakodate Station/Bus Center-bound bus operated by Hako Bus Company. Get off at the Hamamatsu Onsen bus stop. From there, walk approximately 1.2 kilometers to reach Harvester Yakumo.
Travel time: 21 minutes
Fare: 200 yen
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