Harvest Escapes in Japan: 3 Things to Do

Japan’s seasons are deeply tied to harvest traditions, and autumn in particular offers a wealth of experiences that bring people closer to nature, food, and cultural heritage.

Starting from fruit-laden orchards and mountain mushroom hunts to rustic farm stays, the country provides countless ways to enjoy the bounty of the land. No matter you’re tasting crisp apples, foraging in quiet forests, or helping with the daily rhythms of rural life, these escapes promise authentic connections with both place and season.

1. Matsukawa Orchards – Fruit Picking & Picnics in Nagano Prefecture

Matsukawa, a charming farming town in Nagano, is celebrated for its lush orchards. From June through November, visitors can enjoy the simple joy of fruit picking—sampling cherries in early summer, peaches in midsummer, and apples in autumn. Beyond harvesting, the orchards also offer unique picnic experiences where guests can dine surrounded by trees with sweeping mountain views. A highlight is the “Orchard Restaurant,” where multi-course meals are served in the orchards themselves, turning dining into a sensory journey through the region’s harvest.

2. Southern Nagano – Hunting Matsutake Mushrooms

As the leaves turn, Southern Nagano becomes a hotspot for matsutake mushrooms, one of Japan’s most sought-after seasonal delicacies. Growing under red pine trees, these rare mushrooms are carefully foraged from cool forest floors. Visitors can join guided tours, learning traditional methods of finding and harvesting matsutake, before enjoying them in seasonal dishes such as soups, grilled preparations, and steamed rice. Their earthy aroma and rich flavor embody the essence of Japanese autumn.

3. Farm Stay in the Foothills – Yatsugatake Area

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yatsugatake Mountains, farm stays invite travelers to experience the rural life. Guests can lend a hand with farm chores, help harvest vegetables, or feed animals, then share hearty home-cooked meals made with fresh local produce. Seasonal scenery enhances the experience—from flower-filled spring fields to golden autumn landscapes—making each stay a vivid reminder of the harmony between people, land, and tradition. Try a farm stay in a century-old farmhouse at the Yamuara Stay and discover a rural retreat embraced with the Japanese mountains.

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