If you want to spend a couple of hours at a rural site accessible from Kobe, Mitoro Fruits Park (加古川市見土呂フルーツパーク) in Kakogawa City is THE perfect spot! The 12,000 square meter plum grove has around 200 plums of 11 varieties. The plum grove is divided into two parts, one for harvesting fruit and one for ornamental purposes. The yellow rapes blossoms blooming around the same time make the scenery even more stunning! The observation deck above the slope is the best spot to admire the flowers between mid-February and mid-March.
About Mitoro Fruits Park
Mitoro Fruits Park, opened in 1999, is an agricultural park where you can feel the connection between people and nature through various experiences. It is also a spot for locals to escape from the daily hustle and bustle.
Besides the plum blossom season, Mitoro Fruits Park is a good spot to visit throughout the year. The vast park also has an observation deck overlooking the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, a barbecue garden, and a tourist orchard where visitors can enjoy fruit picking and harvesting activities.
In addition, a farmer’s market is held on the fourth Sunday every month.
The Glass House (ガラスハウス) offers a tropical atmosphere all year round. When you are hungry, head to COME’s Restaurant ＆ Cafe in the greenhouse. The fruits and vegetables grown in the park are used for the food served there. The lush greenery surrounding the wooden benches makes the entire dining experience much more pleasant.
The cafe offers a few vegetarian options. For example, giant pizzas measuring 50cm in diameter aren’t just eye-catching, but they taste incredible! The staff might be able to exclude meat and seafood from the sandwiches as well.
If you live near Mitoro Fruits Park, you can apply to join the farming program to experience a farmer’s life!
Staying at the agricultural park is also possible. In two areas of the park, there are several simplified huts with comfortable beds. Different types of camping sites are also available too.
To obtain more information and reserve, refer to the Official Website and translate it using your browser’s translation function.
Fruit Picking at Mitoro Sightseeing Orchard (みとろ観光果樹園)
While there are no fruits to be picked during the plum blossom season, if you are in the Kansai region between late June and late November, visit Mitoro Sightseeing Orchard for their all-you-can-eat fruit picking. Refer to the Official Website for pricing for fruit picking. You can translate the website using your browser’s translation function.
Note that the plums from the plum blossoms are only for sale. You can purchase it between mid-May and late June.
- Japanese plums (すもも): late June to late July
- Grapes: late July to late September
- Chestnuts: late August to late September
- Persimmons: late October to late November
The fruits from the trees are also made into fruit jams and sold at the orchard’s shop. Salted plums and plum wines are also available in late May.
Mitoro Fruits Park’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Mitoro Fruits Park is open from:
- 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays
- 8 am to 10 pm on weekends and public holidays
- The park is closed from the 29th December to 3rd January.
- Mitoro Sightseeing Orchard is open from 9 am to 4 pm from May to November.
- Mitoro Fruits Park is a 30-minute walk from JR Yakujin Station (厄神駅).
- You can also take a taxi from the station. It will be a 5-minute drive.
- If you drive from JR Kakogawa Station (加古川駅), it will take around 20 minutes.
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe
Kobe City next to the same prefecture also has a couple of places where you can see the plum blossoms. As most of them are close to a train station, you can easily stop by one of them as you explore other parts of Kobe. If you enjoy hot springs, the renowned hot spring town in Kobe, Arima Onsen, also has two places where you can appreciate the flowers.
Refer to our article on the Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe and start planning!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
We are sure Hyōgo Prefecture will be one of many destinations you will visit in the Kansai region. Osaka Prefecture, for example, has many plum groves awaiting you to discover. If you fly into Osaka, there are a few plum blossom spots close to the Kansai Airport!
Refer to our article on the Plum Blossom Posts in Osaka to plan your trip!
