Gunma’s mountainous terrain and cool climate, particularly around Numata and the northern reaches of the prefecture, create favourable conditions for growing apples and other tree fruit, earning the region recognition as one of the Kanto area’s notable fruit-growing districts. Dozens of orchards open to visitors each autumn for hands-on picking experiences, offering a range of apple varieties alongside seasonal pears, grapes and other fruit depending on the orchard and time of year, with many farms also selling fresh cider, jams and baked goods made from their harvest.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Numata area and northern Gunma |
| Hours | Picking season roughly August–November (variety-dependent) |
| Admission | Around ¥500–1,500 depending on variety and picking allowance |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | September–October (peak apple harvest) |
What to Do
- Hands-on apple picking across dozens of mountain orchards.
- Seasonal pears, grapes and other fruit depending on timing.
- Farm shops selling fresh cider, jams and baked goods.
- Scenic mountain orchard settings suited to a relaxed autumn outing.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Fukiware Falls sightseeing nearby.
- Pair with Minakami White-Water Rafting earlier in the day.
- Read our Gunma overview .
Getting There
- By car: most orchards are best reached by car, scattered around the Numata and northern Gunma area.
- By train + taxi: JR to Numata Station, then taxi to specific orchards.
Tips
Peak apple season (September–October) offers the widest variety selection — check ahead if you have a specific variety in mind, as availability shifts through the season. Many orchards charge per piece rather than all-you-can-eat, so confirm the pricing structure before starting to pick.
