Strawberry Picking in May at Tanakaen Farm — Still Open Near Tokyo [2026]
- tanakaenfunabashi
- May 21
- 4 min read
Introduction
"Is strawberry picking still possible in May?"
We get this question a lot - and the answer is yes!
At Tanakaen Farm in Funabashi, Chiba, ichigo-gari (strawberry picking) is open through the end of May 2026.
May is actually one of the best times to visit: smaller crowds, ripe berries, and lower prices.
In this post, we'll share everything you need to know about strawberry picking in May at our farm.
Table of Contents
Introduction
🍓 Yes, Strawberry Picking Is Still Available in May
🍓 4 Reasons May Is a Great Time to Visit
🍓 "Are May Strawberries Less Tasty?" — An Honest Answer from the Farmer
🍓 What Makes Tanakaen Special in May
🍓 2026 May — What's New
🍓 Summary
🍓 Book Your Visit
🍓 Yes, Strawberry Picking Is Still Available in May
Here's the short answer: Tanakaen Farm is open for strawberry picking through the end of May.
Many visitors assume that ichigo-gari ends after Japan's Golden Week holidays in early May - but that's a myth.
Strawberry plants keep producing fruit well into May.
And in many ways, the berries in May are even better than in the peak winter season.
🍓 4 Reasons May Is a Great Time to Visit
■ Far Fewer Crowds
During Golden Week (late April to early May), the farm gets very busy.
Once the holidays are over, the crowds drop significantly.
You can move through the greenhouse at your own pace, take your time picking, and really enjoy the experience - without feeling rushed.
This makes May ideal for families with young children, couples, or anyone who prefers a quieter atmosphere.
■ Fully Ripened Berries
Warmer May temperatures cause strawberries to ripen more quickly.
That means more berries are hitting peak ripeness - which translates to deeper sweetness.
If your goal is to taste the sweetest strawberries possible, May is actually your best shot.
■ More Affordable Prices
Strawberry picking tends to be priced higher during the colder months of peak season.
As May approaches the end of the season, prices come down.
At Tanakaen, we adjust our pricing after Golden Week - so May visitors get a better deal.
■ Great Flavor, Even This Late in the Season
Some people worry that May strawberries are watery or tasteless - but this depends on the variety.
Our strawberries in May still deliver a satisfying balance of sweetness and acidity.
Visitors often tell us they were much better than expected!
🍓 "Are May Strawberries Less Tasty?" — An Honest Answer from the Farmer
Sort of - but not in the way most people think.
As temperatures rise, strawberries can soften faster. But soft doesn't mean bad.
In fact, softer, fully ripened strawberries are often sweeter and more aromatic than firm, under-ripe ones.
Supermarket strawberries are picked early (at around 70-80% ripeness) to survive the journey through the supply chain.
By the time they reach your table, the flavor has already peaked and started to fade.
At an ichigo-gari farm, you pick and eat the strawberry right then and there - at 100% ripeness.
That experience is completely different from anything you'll find at a supermarket, and May doesn't change that.
🍓 What Makes Tanakaen Special in May
■ Outdoor Rest Area to Cool Down
The greenhouse can get warm in May sunshine.
Tanakaen has a comfortable outdoor seating area where you can take a break, cool off, and enjoy the breeze.
Feel free to move between inside and outside as much as you like - there's no pressure to stay in one place.
■ Easy to Combine with Funabashi Andersen Park
Just about 10 minutes by car from the farm is Funabashi Andersen Park, one of Chiba's most popular family parks.
It's easy to make a full day of it - strawberry picking in the morning, park in the afternoon.
And if you're coming by train, the farm is only a 7-minute walk from the nearest station.
From central Tokyo, it's about 56 minutes by train, and from Narita Airport, about 45 minutes.
No car needed - very easy to access as a day trip.
🍓 2026 May — What's New
■ Updated Pricing & Exclusive Discount Code
We've updated our pricing for after Golden Week. Check the reservation page for current rates.
We're also offering an exclusive discount code for all visitors in May:
**Discount code: ichigo510 (10% OFF - valid through May 31)**
Enter the code when making your reservation. Feel free to share it with friends - it works for everyone ??
🍓 Summary
Tanakaen Farm is open for strawberry picking through the end of May 2026
After Golden Week, crowds drop - you'll have a much more relaxed visit
Warmer temperatures mean faster ripening: May strawberries hit peak sweetness
Prices are lower after Golden Week than during peak season
Outdoor rest area available to cool off in between picking sessions
Use discount code **ichigo510** for 10% OFF (valid through May 31)
May strawberries are something we're genuinely proud of.
We'd love to welcome you to the farm. 🍓
🍓 Book Your Visit
📞 Contact Information
Tanaka Farm (Strawberry & Pear Farm)
Address: 4-2-8 Futawa Higashi, Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
Phone: +81-80-6338-0537 (9:00–17:00)
Email: tanakaen.funabashi@gmail.com
For the latest hours, pricing, and availability, visit our reservation page.
If this article was helpful, we'd love a like or comment 😊
For media inquiries or bulk strawberry orders, feel free to contact us.
