(Shoji Kudaka)
Back in the day, there was not much to like about winter in Okinawa. Sure, it was nice to see cherry blossoms bloom early on the island and the average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit was a draw for tourists. But, for an islander like me, the cold weather was enough to catch a cold and make for a good excuse to stay home and play Nintendo.
These days, however, I’ve grown to appreciate Okinawa’s mild winters, especially because it means there are sweet strawberries to enjoy.
In late January, I headed north to Ginoza Village for some seasonal strawberry picking. Last year, I went to a Nanjo strawberry farm in the south, so this time I went to Kafu Strawberry Farm near Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab.
According to Okinawa Times, strawberry farming started in Ginoza Village in 2003. Prior to this, farmers did not attempt to grow the berries due to the UV rays and high temperatures on the subtropical island. Sometime over 20 years ago the attempt was made and now the village boasts about 11 strawberry farms.
Kafu Strawberry Farm is about a 5-minute drive from the Okinawa Expressway’s Ginoza exit. “Kafu” means good luck in Okinawan dialect, so my parents and I were looking forward to sharing the experience and the luck on the strawberry farm.
Kafu grows three varieties of strawberries: Kaorino, Yotsuboshi and Berry Hop Suzu. Owner Ryohei Kotani briefed us on the varieties and etiquette for picking the sweet berries inside the greenhouses.
(Shoji Kudaka)
(Shoji Kudaka)
(Shoji Kudaka)
As soon as we set foot in a greenhouse, we were impressed with the strawberry plants lined up beautifully. Through leaves, the winter fruits were showing their ripe-red faces, elevating our expectations.
I could not wait to dig in, but there were things to note first. First, we couldn’t carry bags with us in between the rows of berries since it would risk damaging them. To pick a strawberry, Kotani said to twist the stem’s end and once detached, remove stem on the berry and collect the leaves and pieces in a cup provided.
To taste the berry, Kotani suggested eating the top first (without the stem and leaves) so that you end with the sweetest, ripest flavor at the bottom tip.
As soon as the brief was over, we started hunting for strawberries. With only eight customers in the house, we had the luxury of having all the ripe ones to ourselves.
The Kaorino berries had a nice sourness and scent, while Yotsuboshi was all about sweetness. Berry Hop Suzu tasted mild and smooth. My favorite was Yotsuboshi because I have a sweet tooth.
After 40 minutes of sampling all the strawberries, my stomach was full and my face was covered in sweat. It was nice to take our time and not worry about crowds since we were there on a weekday.
Kotani said weekdays are a good time to visit and though the season for picking continues to May, it is best to visit when the weather is still cool.
“If you want to eat the winter fruits in the best condition possible, however, it would be a good idea to try before it warms up,” Kotani added.
Kotani, who is originally from Naha City but moved to Ginoza Village for strawberry farming, also passionately noted that the village’s signature fruit deserves even more name recognition than it gets. After tasting the strawberries he grows, I totally agree with him.
Rules and etiquette may vary depending upon each strawberry farm. Additionally, Kotani said that customers at Kafu can bring their own sauces like condensed milk to enjoy the berries the way they want. Yotsuboshi berries drizzled with sweet condensed milk sounds just irresistible enough to motivate me to return to this laid-back farm for another berry feast.
If you’ve never tried seasonal strawberry picking, you’ll want to make plans to try it out soon! Happy picking!
(Shoji Kudaka)
(Shoji Kudaka)
(Shoji Kudaka)
Kafu Strawberry Farm
GPS Coordinates: N 26.48839, E 127.97725
Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Closed on Mon. and Fri.
Fees: 2,000 yen (approx. 13.35) for adults (middle school age and above), 1,500 yen for elementary school kids, and 1,000 yen for ages 2 and preschool age.
*Reservation required. Reserve a spot through here.
*Website (strawberry farms in Ginoza Village)
Strawberry picking tour by MCCS Okinawa Tours +
Date: Mar. 30
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tickets: Adults ($39), Children/ages 7-11 ($28), ages 3-6 ($20), ages 2 and under (free)
For more info, check out here.
Strawberry Picking Tour by Kadena ITT
Date: Feb. 18, 24
Time: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fees: Adult ($40), ages 7-12 ($30), ages 2-6 ($20), infants (free)
*For more info, check out here.
