Strawberry Kingdom, Tochigi Prefecture

Blessed with fertile land and a favorable climate for over 1,200 years, Tochigi Prefecture is known for its thriving agriculture. Among its many crops, strawberries stand out—Tochigi has proudly held the title of Japan’s top strawberry producer for over half a century, earning it the nickname “Strawberry Kingdom.”

The deliciousness of Tochigi’s strawberries and other produce stems from three natural blessings. First is the sunshine: long daylight hours during winter and significant temperature differences between seasons and between day and night enhance the flavor of crops. Second is the rich, fertile soil: its excellent drainage encourages deep root growth, leading to plentiful harvests. Third is the water quality: mineral-rich snowmelt water seeps into the earth, nourishing the crops with natural hydration.

Tochigi offers six varieties of strawberries, including its original breed, Tochiaika. Each variety brings a unique flavor profile, allowing visitors to enjoy strawberries year-round.

The prefecture's deep love for strawberries is clear—not only through continuous efforts in developing new varieties and improving cultivation techniques but also through initiatives like the “Strawberry Kingdom Tochigi” certification test available on its official website.

With an abundance of strawberry farms and picking spots throughout the region, a visit to Tochigi wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its vibrant strawberry culture firsthand.