In Japan, fruits are not just delicious, but they are also regarded as prized possessions. They are often chosen as special gifts, and a lot of care and consideration are put into cultivating them. And of course, fruits are seasonal, so there are certain times of the year when certain fruits are at their best.
Fruit picking is a popular activity not just among locals but also visitors to Japan, and the thought of picking your own fruit and enjoying it on the spot is a unique and memorable experience. One such park where you can experience fruit picking is the JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama, located in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, and we spoke with Ms. Kondo (近藤) from the park to learn more about it.
Say hello to the JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama
Hi Kondo-san, thanks for taking some time to speak to us! Tell us a bit more about the JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama.
The JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama opened in 2021, in line with the 10th anniversary of the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011. Arahama (荒浜) was once a quiet district, with open fields that directly faced the Pacific Ocean. It was severely affected by the tsunami on 11 March 2011, changing the lives of the locals.
For the objectives of disaster reconstruction, regional cooperation and agricultural promotion, the JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama was established on 18 March 2021, right in Arahama. The park features one of the largest tourist fruit orchards in Japan, and visitors can enjoy picking seasonal fruits all year round.
Fruits galore at the park
That’s so wonderful to hear. So, what fruits are available for picking?
JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama features a wide variety of fruits, and they are available for picking throughout the year. Highlights include different types of apples and grapes; blueberries, pears and more.
Wow, that must be enticing for fruit lovers. Is there any particular fruit that is famous among visitors?
Strawberries are by far the most popular! At JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama, we have a 30-minute all-you-can-eat plan that allows visitors to compare multiple types of strawberries, including Miyagi Prefecture’s original varieties.
Fresh vegetables and agricultural products at Arahama Marche
That’s something strawberry lovers would not want to miss here! So, what else should we check out at JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama other than fruit picking?
Visitors should check out Arahama Marche (あらはまマルシェ), where they can browse and buy fresh vegetables locally harvested in the morning, and environmentally-friendly processed products from neighbouring farmers, and more.
What’s more, there is Les Pommes, a café-restaurant that offers an authentic spiced curry buffet where guests can enjoy rice blended with Miyagi Prefecture’s original brown rice “Kin Ibuki” and obanzai (homestyle cooking) made with fresh, locally grown vegetables. And guess what: there are also tantalising seasonal sweets and desserts made with fruits grown here at this park, too.
Learn more about Arahama and the surrounding areas
Wow, sounds like it’s an entire gastronomical experience being here. What if I want to explore other parts of Arahama? Are there places I should explore other than JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama around here?
Yes, there are some places that visitors should explore while in Arahama. One place is the former Arahama Elementary School, where people can learn more about what happened when the earthquake and tsunami struck in 2011. The building was severely affected back then, and it now serves as a museum for visitors to learn more about the ongoing recovery efforts around the area.
To get around Arahama, visitors can rent bicycles available at JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama and Coastal Park Center House (Arahama area). There is also a bicycle path along the Teizan Canal, so visitors can enjoy the sea breeze while cycling along the route.
Okay, that must be an eye-opening experience for all visitors to Arahama. Before we wrap things up, shall we share some info about access to JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama?
Sure, visitors can take the Sendai City Subway Tozai Line from Sendai Station and get off at Arai Station (荒井駅). From there, take the bus bound for “Shinsai-iko Sendai Shiritsu Arahama Shogakko-mae” (震災遺構仙台市立荒浜小学校前, Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Sendai Arahama Elementary School), and get off at “Shinsai-iko Sendai Shiritsu Arahama Shogakko-mae” bus stop. Walk for 5 minutes to reach the park. Also, take note that the park closes every Tuesday, or Wednesday if that Tuesday is a national holiday.
Alright, thank you so much for sharing with us all the great things to look forward to at JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama. Before we go, do you have any last words for our friends?
Yes! Fruit picking can be enjoyed throughout the year here, so enjoy the taste of freshly picked fruits picked by yourself. See you soon!
It’s blueberry season at JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama!
Are blueberries your favourite fruit? If they are, then you are in luck: JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama has a 30-minute all-you-can-eat blueberry course in July, and you can get your tickets right here at JAPAN RAIL CLUB! Just click here to find out more!
Celebrate Japan’s golden season with our “Golden Fruit Festival” Omiyage Snack Box!
Are you a fruit lover? If so, this May, a golden opportunity awaits for you to taste all of the fruits featured in this article, all in one place! It’s a time of fresh beginnings and bountiful flavours, so celebrate this beautiful transition with our “Golden Fruit Festival” Omiyage Snack Box—a vibrant collection of fruit-filled treats that capture the energy of the changing seasons.
