Harvest Experience at a Persimmon Farm in Tsuruoka! ~Agricultural & Culinary Culture Report Vol. 1~

Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture is a region rich in nature, surrounded by mountains on three sides and home to the expansive Shonai Plain. With a food culture passed down over centuries, Tsuruoka has been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Recently, a six-day, five-night tour focusing on agriculture and culinary culture was held in this culturally rich city. Participants from areas such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba enjoyed hands-on harvest experiences at local farms, immersing themselves in Tsuruoka’s unique charm.

Agricultural Experience at a Shonai Persimmon Orchard

The tour included an experience centered on “Shonai persimmons (Shonai gaki 庄内柿),” a specialty of Tsuruoka City. This variety, known as “Hiratanenashi (平核無),” is seedless and characterized by its flat, square shape. Though the flesh is firm, removing the astringency reveals a refreshing sweetness. The original Shonai persimmon tree still stands in Toriimachi, Tsuruoka City, designated as a natural monument.

Participants were divided among several farms for hands-on agricultural activities. At Okabe Farm in Haguro Town, Tsuruoka, Shonai persimmons and other varieties are cultivated. The expansive farm offers a refreshing environment, with participants noting, “Unlike the city, the fresh air and natural surroundings are invigorating!” They embraced the experience of farm work in a setting far removed from their daily lives.
Okabe Farm employs a unique cultivation method, spreading the persimmon trees low and wide. During harvest, no lifts are used; ladders allow for easy access to the fruit. Many persimmons are within arm’s reach, making the work accessible.

The harvest involved about six hours of work each day. Unlike simple “fruit picking,” the harvested persimmons were for shipment, requiring serious effort. With strict criteria for selecting persimmons based on color and size, participants received guidance from the farmers and carefully picked suitable fruit. Initially unsure, participants became adept by the final day, skillfully selecting and placing persimmons into baskets. Since the appearance of the fruit is crucial for shipment, each persimmon was handled and packed with care.

Okabe Farm owner Mr. Okabe, who also chairs the Shonai Persimmon Promotion Council, emphasized the importance of meticulous year-round work in producing high-quality fruit. He is committed to improving techniques and ensuring thorough management of branches and fruit. Additionally, he actively supports initiatives like this tour, seeing their potential to address labor shortages and promote local agricultural products.

Many participants were home gardeners or those interested in farming. Feedback included comments such as, “Working at an actual farm was a rare and valuable experience,” “The weather and air were wonderful,” “Harvesting was incredibly fun,” and “I’m happy to contribute to the farm.” Some were repeat participants, drawn back by the joy of previous agricultural experiences. They relished the break from city life, savoring the satisfaction of harvesting amid nature.

During breaks, participants were treated to freshly picked persimmons and La France pears, marveling at their freshness and flavor. While learning about the characteristics and ways to enjoy different varieties, they eagerly tasted the fruits, sparking lively conversations.

The joy of eating fruit they harvested themselves, coupled with the happiness of sharing fresh produce, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the event. The opportunity to interact with local farmers offered a special experience unique to this tour.

What Tsuruoka’s Agricultural Experience Conveys

The agricultural tour in Tsuruoka is designed not only to showcase local specialties but also to let participants feel the region’s history and culture through hands-on farming activities. In addition to persimmon harvesting, this year’s tours included apple farming experiences. In the past, agricultural experiences featuring cherries in the summer and La France pears in the autumn have been held in Yamagata Prefecture.

For local farmers, these experiences provide not only extra hands but also the chance to cultivate interest in their fruits and build a loyal fan base. Such initiatives highlight the idea that agricultural products are more than just food—they symbolize the region’s nature, culture, and way of life. Many participants leave with a renewed appreciation for these connections.

Various tours and events are held in Tsuruoka City, including those led by “Tsuruoka FŪDO (Food x Culture) Guides,” to showcase its rich food culture and agricultural products. For more information, please check the website below.

Tsuruoka FŪDO Guides (Japanese)	https://tsuruoka-fudo-guide.com/
TSURUOKA Creative City of Gastronomy	https://www.tsuruokagastronomy.com/

Note: Tour schedules are irregular.
This article is based on coverage conducted in autumn 2024.