Maruzen Sato Orchard (マルゼン佐藤果樹園),
located in the scenic town of Mashike, Hokkaido, is a paradise for
fruit-picking enthusiasts. Situated at 256 Shokansawa, this family-owned
orchard has been delighting visitors for over a century with its abundant fruit
harvests and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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| Maruzen Sato Orchard Revisited 2023 |
On July 29, 2023, during my 635th day in Japan, I had the
pleasure of visiting this charming orchard with my siblings and daughter, while
my wife was in Osaka. This visit held a special place in my heart, as it was
not our first time experiencing the orchard’s offerings.
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| Maruzen Sato Orchard - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Our first visit to Maruzen Sato Orchard was on September 3,
2022—my 306th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Back then, we
immersed ourselves in the joy of grape picking, enjoying some of the region’s
freshest and juiciest grapes.
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| Welcome to Maruzen Sato Orchard |
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| The banner for cherry and blueberry picking is displayed along National Route 546 |
This time around, we embraced the flavors of summer by
picking blueberries and cherries, two seasonal favorites that perfectly capture
the essence of the warmer months.
A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Maruzen Sato Orchard traces its roots back to 1919 when its
founder, Zentaro, relocated from Amarume Town in Yamagata Prefecture to
Mashike. Starting with apple saplings, the orchard has been nurtured and
enhanced over generations. Today, it stands as a testament to sustainable
farming, relying on organic fertilizers like fish powder, rice bran, and
chicken manure, ensuring every fruit is not only delicious but also safe and
healthy.
Blueberry Picking in Maruzen Sato Orchard
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| The blueberry fields |
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| Blueberries |
Cherry Picking in Maruzen Sato Orchard
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| The cherry fields |
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| Rainier Cherries |
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| Black Tartarian cherries |
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| Dönissen's Yellow cherries |
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| There are chairs around the orchard where you could rest and eat the fruits that you picked |
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| Itadakimasu! |
Seasonal Delights at Maruzen Sato Orchard
Timing is everything when it comes to fruit picking at
Maruzen Sato Orchard. The orchard offers a variety of fruits throughout the
year:
- Cherry
Picking: Early July to early August
- Blueberry
Picking: Late July to mid-August
- Plum
and Prune Picking: Early August to late October
- Pear
and Japanese Pear Picking: Early September to late October
- Grape
Picking: Late August to late October
- Apple
Picking: Mid-September to late December
During our visit, blueberries and cherries were at their
peak, making the orchard a vibrant sea of blue and red. These bite-sized
treasures were a joy to pick and even more delightful to taste.
Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard
Maruzen Sato Orchard Fees
The orchard charges reasonable fees for its all-you-can-eat,
no-time-limit fruit-picking activities:
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| Blueberry and cherry picking fees |
Cherry picking - Adult (junior high school students and older) 1200yen / Child 900 yenBlueberry picking - Adult (junior high school students and above) 600 yen / Child 400 yen
Grape picking / Apple picking - Adult (junior high school students and older) 1200 yen / Child 900 yen
These are all eat-all-you-can/no-time-limit activities.Equipped with baskets and guided by the orchard staff, we
spent hours picking, laughing, and, of course, eating. The scenic beauty of the
orchard added to the experience, making it a perfect family bonding activity.
Maruzen Sato Orchard Operating Hours
Maruzen Sato Orchard is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Maruzen Sato Orchard?
Maruzen Sato Orchard is more than just a place to pick
fruits—it's a destination that allows you to savor the essence of Mashike’s
rich agricultural heritage. From the delicious fruits to the unforgettable
memories created with family, every moment spent at this orchard is a sweet
adventure.
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 to Maruzen Sato Orchard.
Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Fare: 430 yen
Ratings
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| Crowd |
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| Cleanliness |
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| Overall rating |
.JPG "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
.jpg "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
.JPG "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
.JPG "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
.JPG "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
.JPG "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
.JPG "Team Nicerio tries Blueberry and Cherry Picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard")
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