Cherry Picking in Hokkaido: A Day Trip from Niseko to Niki & Yoichi

While you're staying in Niseko, take a little detour.

Picture biting into a glossy red cherry, picked moments ago. That early-summer treat is just about an hour away by car.

Niki and Yoichi, the towns next to Niseko, are among Hokkaido's leading cherry-growing areas. This guide covers when to go cherry picking, how to get there from Niseko, what it costs, how to choose an orchard, and tips for enjoying it with children.

When to Go | Peak Season Starts in Late June

Cherry picking in Niki and Yoichi runs from late June to around mid-August.

Greenhouse-grown cherries start a little earlier in June, while the open-field cherries hit their stride in July. "Sato Nishiki" comes first in early July, followed by varieties like "Suimon" and "Nanyo" as the season shifts.

In other words, late June into July is the very start of the season — a happy overlap with a summer trip to Niseko.

Getting There from Niseko | About an Hour by Car

From Niseko, take Route 5 toward Otaru. In about an hour by car, you'll reach Niki.

The drive runs through gentle countryside — a pleasant stretch of time in itself. Many orchards offer free parking, and some of the larger ones can hold over a thousand cars.

Having a rental car makes the trip much easier.

What It Costs | Around 1,000–1,300 Yen, Often All-You-Can-Eat

Prices vary a little by orchard, but cherry picking usually runs about 1,000–1,300 yen for adults. Many orchards also set child and toddler rates, so it's an easy outing for families.

The nice part: all-you-can-eat with no time limit is the common style. You can savour your favourite varieties to your heart's content.

Prices and varieties change by year and season. Checking the latest information before you go will set your mind at ease.

Choosing an Orchard | By Scale, or by Variety

Choosing an orchard goes smoothly when you decide what matters most to you.

Sakuranbo-yama Orchard (Niki)

One of the largest orchards in all of Hokkaido. Thousands of cherry trees and wide, roomy parking. Families and first-timers can enjoy it at an easy pace.

Toge-no-Fumoto Koka-en (Niki)

An orchard where you can taste more than 50 cherry varieties along with early-summer berries. Perfect for those who love a tasting comparison or want to discover many flavours.

Children, Reservations, and What to Bring | Good to Know

If you're going as a family, a few things are worth knowing.

Many orchards let general visitors in without a reservation. That said, groups — and some orchards — may require one, so it's best to check in advance.

You'll be walking on soil and grass. Sneakers or other comfortable shoes you don't mind getting dirty are ideal. A sun hat and some insect repellent will keep you comfortable, too.

On rainy days, choosing an orchard with greenhouses lets you pick without getting wet — a reassuring option when the forecast looks uncertain.

The Niki Tourism Association page gathers the latest orchard information clearly.

Finish with a Niseko Onsen | A Fitting End to the Day

Once you're full of cherries and contentment, it's time for the drive back to Niseko.

A warmed, tired body unwinds beautifully in an onsen. We've gathered Niseko's day-trip hot springs in Niseko's Onsen Shine in Summer: A Day-Trip Hot Spring Guide.

Cherries in season are a feast that lasts only a few weeks.

This summer, why not go and meet that first freshly-picked one?

— Niseko Hub Editorial Team