July 2, 2025
A Special Seasonal Experience in the Birthplace of White Peaches
When you think of summer in Okayama, one fruit stands out—peaches.
With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and overflowing juiciness, it’s no wonder people are moved by their taste year after year. One bite, and you’ll instantly know: “Okayama peaches really are something else.”
But what exactly makes Okayama’s peaches so special?
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind their exceptional flavor and introduce local farms where you can harvest and taste peaches yourself.
Why Are Okayama’s Peaches So Unique?
Okayama has long been known as one of Japan’s leading white peach producers, and for good reason—it’s simply the perfect place to grow them.
The region enjoys:
- Abundant sunshine throughout the year (around 270 sunny days annually)
- Significant temperature differences between day and night, enhancing sweetness
- Well-drained soil ideal for strong root development
- Few typhoons, meaning the fruit is less prone to damage
These ideal natural conditions, paired with time-honored cultivation techniques and meticulous care, have helped make Okayama’s white peaches a nationally renowned brand.
Shimizu Hakuto – The “Queen of Peaches” from Okayama
Among the many varieties grown in Okayama, Shimizu Hakuto stands out as the region’s signature peach.
First cultivated in the Shimizu district of Okayama City in the early Showa period, this variety has earned the nickname “Queen of Peaches.”
With its pale, beautiful skin, rich fragrance, and melt-in-your-mouth flesh, Shimizu Hakuto is in a class of its own.
Its juicy sweetness fills your mouth gently, with minimal fiber and a silky-smooth texture. It’s especially prized as a luxury gift item, and with a very short harvest window from late July to early August, it’s considered a rare, once-a-year delicacy.
Other Delicious Peach Varieties in Okayama
From late June through early September, a wide variety of peaches ripen across the region. Each one has its own charm and flavor profile.
- Hikawa Hakuhō (late June–): An early-season variety that’s sweet and easy to eat
- Hakuhō (mid-July–): A soft, juicy standard variety
- Okayama Yume Hakuto (August): Higher in sugar with a slightly firmer texture
- Hakurei (late August–): Long-lasting with a firmer bite
Depending on when you visit, you’ll encounter different varieties—making it worth coming back for more than one season.
Peach Picking in Okayama: A Rare and Special Experience
Despite its reputation as the “land of peaches,” peach picking experiences for tourists are surprisingly rare in Okayama.
Why? Because Okayama’s white peaches are incredibly delicate and are individually bagged and carefully cultivated to preserve their pristine quality for gift-giving.
Fully ripe peaches are extremely soft and can bruise easily, so the common “all-you-can-pick-and-eat” style of fruit picking isn’t suitable here.
Instead, local farms offer a more curated experience, where visitors can carefully handpick just a few perfectly ripe peaches and taste them right on the spot—guided by the farmers themselves.
If you picture peach picking as filling a basket and eating as much as you like, you might be surprised.
Okayama’s peach experiences are not about quantity—they’re about quality that leaves a lasting impression.
You’ll smell, touch, and taste peaches at their peak, while learning directly from the farmers who nurture them.
This is the true way to enjoy Okayama’s peaches.
Savor the Season at the Farm – 3 Recommended Experiences
If you want to enjoy Okayama’s peaches even more, we recommend visiting a local orchard.
Here are three farms offering unique and memorable peach experiences, guided by the growers themselves.
1. KARAKU – Learn While You Taste
Run by a former data scientist, this unique farm focuses on eco-friendly peach cultivation with minimal pesticide use.
You’ll learn about different varieties, ripening times, and growing methods—then pick and taste the best peach of the day.
Experience includes:
- Educational talk about peach cultivation and varieties
- Pick and sample 2 perfectly ripe peaches
- Relaxed, small-group setting
2. MOMONA Peach Farm – Naturally Grown, Gently Picked
Located in the countryside of Kurashiki, this family-run farm practices sōsei saibai, a method of cultivating with live grass to enrich the soil naturally.
They grow over 20 varieties, so the peaches you encounter change with the season.
Experience includes:
- Pick peaches directly from the trees
- Taste and compare different varieties
- Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere
3. Nakatsu Orchard – High-Sugar Peaches with Sweet Potential
This orchard in Sōja is known for growing flavorful, fragrant peaches such as Sakigake Hakuto.
They’re also planning to offer handmade peach sweets like mochi and sorbet in the future, expanding the way visitors can enjoy peaches.
Experience includes:
- Harvest and purchase high-sugar ripe peaches
- Shop directly at the orchard
- Seasonal visits are recommended for the best experience
In Summary
Okayama peaches aren’t just sweet—they’re a miracle of climate, soil, technique, and human care.
To fully appreciate them, nothing beats going to the orchard, experiencing the scent, the texture, and the flavor, and hearing the growers’ stories firsthand.
The peak season runs from late June to mid-August, and spots for these experiences fill quickly. We recommend booking early.
▶︎ More info & reservations:
Local Treasures | Peach Orchard Guide Tour
We also offer custom-made tours that combine this guided peach orchard experience with Kurashiki sightseeing and local gourmet. Feel free to get in touch!
