Aomori produces around 60% of all Japan’s apples, and the orchards of the Tsugaru plain around Hirosaki are the source. From August to November you can pick your own from 50+ varieties, press fresh juice, and taste single-variety craft ciders that never reach city shops.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hirosaki & Tsugaru, Aomori |
| Hours | Orchards ~Aug–Nov, daytime |
| Admission | Picking ~¥300–1,500 |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Aug–Nov (harvest season) |
What to Do
- Pick your own from 50+ apple varieties, Aug–Nov.
- Press fresh apple juice at farm mills.
- Taste single-variety craft cider near Hirosaki and Kuroishi.
- Buy rare varieties like Mutsu and Sekai-ichi straight from the tree.
Combine Your Visit
- Taste finished cider at A-FACTORY by the station.
- Do the Hirosaki apple pie trail .
- Pair with Hirosaki Castle in blossom or autumn.
Getting There
- By car: best for orchard-hopping around Hirosaki.
- By bus: seasonal orchard shuttles from Hirosaki.
Tips
October is the sweet spot — most varieties ripe, festivals on, and juice pressed on the spot. A car makes visiting several farms much easier.
