Enjoy Seasonal Fruit-Picking Experiences
With its long history of fruit cultivation, Ishihara Orchard offers visitors the chance to discover a wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce straight from the trees and vines. Grape picking generally runs from mid-July to mid-October, with more than 20 varieties available. Popular choices include Shine Muscat, New Pione, Gold Finger, and Momotaro grapes, each offering its own distinctive flavor and texture.
Pear picking usually takes place from early September to early November, with more than 10 varieties to discover. Among the highlights are Atago pears and Yali pears, both known for their generous size and mellow flavor. From early October to early November, visitors can also enjoy picking Taishū persimmons, prized for their large size and sweetness.
Because fruit-picking is available by advance reservation only, visitors should arrange their visit ahead of time and check which varieties are ready for harvest during their chosen dates.
A History Dating Back to Around 1850
The story of Ishihara Orchard began around 1850, when the family started cultivating pears on land cleared from the surrounding hills. Over the generations, the orchard expanded its production and developed a reputation for premium fruit.
In 1955, the orchard began exporting Yali pears to Singapore. Atago pear cultivation followed in 1980, and grape production began in 1982. In 1999, the orchard opened a direct-sales shop and website and launched its grape- and pear-picking experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy its produce firsthand.
The orchard’s fruit has received recognition beyond the local area. In 1995, Yali pears were presented to the Imperial Household. In 2015, Atago pears were selected as a dessert served aboard the Japanese government’s official aircraft during then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the Middle East. Yali pears have also been used as an ingredient in Hi-Chew confectionery, demonstrating the versatility and reputation of the orchard’s produce.
Fruit Varieties and Local Produce
Ishihara Orchard cultivates a broad selection of fruit varieties, with different crops becoming available throughout the growing season.
Grapes
Varieties include Delaware, Shigyoku, Marilyn, New Pione, Shine Muscat, Suihō, Gold Finger, Yūhō, Momotaro grapes, and Shion. From familiar favorites to distinctive specialty varieties, the selection offers plenty for grape lovers to explore.
Pears
The orchard grows Atago pears, also known locally as Bizen Yokozuna pears, and Yali pears, also called Bizen Otome pears. Other varieties include Hōsui, Hōka, Nozomi, Nansui, and Ōshū. Their harvest periods vary, so the available selection depends on the season.
Persimmons and Other Produce
Taishū persimmons are among the orchard’s seasonal specialties. The farm also grows watermelons and cultivates Bizen Otome rice, reflecting the agricultural character of the surrounding region.
These fruits are valued not only for fresh consumption but also as premium gifts. Visitors can purchase freshly harvested produce at the orchard’s direct-sales shop, subject to seasonal availability.
Facilities and Rural Surroundings
The orchard has a farm shop where visitors can buy fresh fruit and take home a taste of Okayama. Free parking is available for approximately 60 vehicles, making the property convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The surrounding landscape features the Yoshii River, expansive farmland, and the gentle scenery of rural Okayama. The region’s mild climate provides favorable conditions for fruit cultivation, creating a peaceful setting in which to enjoy the orchard and its seasonal harvests.
Access
From Okayama Airport: Approximately 50 minutes by car to the southeast.
From Sanyō Interchange on the Sanyō Expressway: Approximately 20 minutes by car to the south.
From JR Okayama Station: Approximately 30 minutes by car to the east.
From JR Saidaiji Station: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi to the northeast.
Experience Okayama’s Fruit-Growing Heritage
Ishihara Orchard combines more than 170 years of fruit-growing tradition with the pleasure of harvesting fresh produce yourself. From aromatic grapes and richly flavored pears to sweet autumn persimmons, the orchard offers a seasonal experience that connects visitors with Okayama’s agricultural heritage.
Whether you come to pick fruit, purchase premium produce, or simply enjoy the peaceful countryside, Ishihara Orchard is a rewarding destination for travelers who want to experience the flavors of Okayama directly from the source.