Hello there, blueberry lovers! In this article, I’m thrilled to introduce a massive new blueberry orchard that opened this summer in Takamori Town. 

 The Blueberry Farm Opened by a Gardener!

Following the blue sign, I’m heading to the blueberry farm.

 Once you get there, wow—

it’s absolutely massive!

It’s like a blueberry theme park!

 The property is as large as one Tokyo Dome, or about 9 football fields), and they are cultivating over 20 varietals spanning more than 2,500 blueberry bushes.

Blueberry Picking

After parking my car, I headed over to the café to register.

It costs 1,500 yen for adults, and on top of that, up to two children (elementary school age or younger) per adult can enter for free, making it a great deal for families. When you check in at the reception, you’ll get a wristband and a plastic punnet for picking blueberries.

You’re not only free to eat as much as you like on-site, but the blueberries you pack can also be taken home within the initial fee.   If you’d like to take home more than that, each additional punnet costs 500 yen.

 A sign in front of the café indicates the “Picking Area of the Day” for easy reference.

Once checked in, visitors will receive wristbands as proof that you’re an official “Blueberry Hunter” and head off to pick blueberries!

As soon as I stepped into the orchard, 

I was greeted by a vast amount of blueberries!

The ground is equipped with weed prevention tarp underneath and solar panels on top, making it a comfortable place even on hot days or when it rains a little! Additionally, the panels are positioned so they don’t interfere with the growth of the blueberries, ensuring that they remain healthy.

 There’s even a rare blueberry variety called “TH605,” patented and exclusively handled by certain nurseries. It’s so rare that it’s almost nonexistent elsewhere in Kumamoto Prefecture.

These berries resemble grapes more than blueberries!

 The CEO of the orchard told us that the berries at the very tips of each branch are the sweetest.

 Wow! Incredibly sweet, fresh and juicy!

These blueberries are truly delightful.

The berries are large and lustrous, tempting enough to eat endlessly.

You can also take one packet home with you included in the entry price.

You can fit quite a lot in.

 Enjoy Drinks and Soft Serve at the Café

The cafe I first checked in offers a variety of blueberry drinks and soft-serve ice cream for guests to enjoy. All the syrups for the drinks and sauces for the ice cream are made by hand using fresh blueberries from the garden.

Indulge in the deliciousness of Blueberry Squash (500 yen) and savor the natural sweetness of blueberries!

The latte with blueberry sauce, milk, and coffee (600 yen) was unexpectedly delicious with the combination of coffee and blueberries!

Other blueberry treats include soft-serve ice cream and parfaits that are rich in fresh milk but have a light texture.

 Enlivening Takamori

Here are Mr. Goto, the sales manager of Oaso Zoen, who manages this large blueberry garden, and his wife, who especially runs this the café.

He is tackling new challenges while contemplating, “In what ways can I, as a gardener, contribute to the community and individuals?” Originally a rocky area prone to wild boars and deer, which led to its abandonment, they’ve transformed it into a thriving blueberry orchard. They aim not only to provide enjoyment to visitors but also to protect Aso’s precious regional resources and land, and to uplift the community of Takamori together.

 When the weather is clear, you can admire the breathtaking Mt. Nekodake!

This is a new location where you can enjoy picking blueberries at an affordable price! If you get the chance, make sure to pay a visit!

*To ensure the availability of blueberries, please call ahead to make a reservation before your visit.

Asoblue