Furusato no Sato
About
Furusato no Sato offers families an authentic Japanese farm experience where children can pick seasonal produce like strawberries, sweet potatoes, and mandarin oranges directly from the fields. This hands-on agricultural adventure lets kids connect with nature and learn where their food comes from, followed by delicious farm-fresh meals made from ingredients harvested on-site.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on fruit and vegetable picking with seasonal varieties year-round
- ✓Farm-to-table dining experiences featuring fresh harvested ingredients
- ✓Authentic rural Japanese cultural immersion away from tourist areas
- ✓Educational opportunities to learn about traditional farming methods
- ✓Wide open spaces perfect for active kids to explore safely
Pro Tips
- 1.Download a translation app before visiting as English signage may be limited at this traditional farm
- 2.Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer since you'll be working directly with soil and plants
- 3.Wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection, as you'll be outdoors in the fields
- 4.Arrive early in the day for the freshest picking experience and cooler temperatures
- 5.Cash is preferred at many rural Japanese farms, so bring yen for entrance fees and purchases
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are ideal to avoid local crowds, especially during peak harvest seasons like spring strawberry season (March-May) and autumn sweet potato season (September-November). Visit in cooler morning hours during summer months to keep kids comfortable.
What to Know
This is a budget-friendly attraction with minimal entrance fees plus pay-per-weight for produce picked. Farm-to-table meals are available on-site. The facility is in a rural area of Sakai, so renting a car is recommended for international visitors, as public transportation may be limited.
Seasonal Notes
Different crops are available throughout the year: strawberries in spring, tomatoes and melons in summer, sweet potatoes and chestnuts in fall, and mandarin oranges in winter. Call ahead or check their website to confirm what's currently available for picking during your visit.
Nearby Eats
Head to family-friendly kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants in central Sakai where kids can enjoy watching plates go by and choosing what appeals to them. CoCo Ichibanya curry house locations are also excellent for families with picky eaters, offering customizable mild curry options.
More Activities Near Sakai
Hochigai Shrine
Hochigai Shrine offers a unique cultural experience combining traditional Shinto architecture with a peaceful park setting perfect for families. Kids can explore the shrine grounds, learn about Japanese customs like bowing at the torii gate, and enjoy the surrounding green spaces. It's an excellent introduction to Japanese culture in a relaxed, welcoming environment that feels less touristy than major shrines.
Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum and Knife Shop
This unique museum offers families a fascinating glimpse into Sakai's 600-year knife-making tradition through hands-on demonstrations and interactive craft experiences. Children can watch skilled artisans at work, learn about traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and participate in age-appropriate workshops that bring this ancient art form to life in an engaging, educational way.
Sylvanian Park
Sylvanian Park offers families a peaceful escape along the scenic Yamato River, combining gentle nature walks with observation areas perfect for budding naturalists. This free waterfront park provides a relaxing alternative to Osaka's busier attractions, where kids can stretch their legs, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the calming riverside atmosphere.
Daisen Park
Daisen Park is a sprawling historical green space where families can explore ancient Japanese burial mounds, enjoy well-maintained playgrounds, and picnic under stunning cherry blossom trees. This free, 24-hour park offers a perfect blend of cultural education and outdoor play, giving kids space to run while parents soak in the peaceful atmosphere surrounding one of Japan's largest kofun (burial mounds).