📖 Strawberry Kingdom, Tochigi

For over 1200 years, Tochigi Prefecture has enjoyed exceptional land and weather conditions. Rarely affected by natural disasters, it yields a bountiful harvest of various crops. Among the many agricultural products in Tochigi, strawberries have ranked first in Japan for production for over half a century, earning Tochigi the title of "Strawberry Kingdom." The deliciousness of Tochigi's agricultural products, including strawberries, can be attributed to three key factors. The first is sunlight; the long daylight hours in winter and the significant temperature differences between day and night in both summer and winter greatly enhance the flavor of the crops. The second is fertile soil; well-drained soil allows crops to develop deep roots, resulting in abundant fruits. The third is water quality; the snowmelt water, rich in minerals, seeps into the ground, providing ample nourishment for the crops. Tochigi carefully cultivates strawberries, including six varieties unique to the region, such as "Tochiaika (とちあいか)." Each variety has its own characteristics, allowing people to enjoy sweet strawberries throughout the year. Tochigi is not only dedicated to developing new strawberry varieties and researching the cultivation of delicious strawberries, but the prefecture's comprehensive website also features a certification for "Strawberry Kingdom Tochigi," reflecting the local people's deep affection for strawberries. Tochigi has many strawberry farms and strawberry-picking attractions. If you visit the area, be sure to experience the charm of strawberries.

Tochigi Prefecture boasts the highest strawberry production in Japan, earning it the title of "Strawberry Kingdom." The sun, soil, and water quality are the three essential elements that contribute to the deliciousness of the crops. There are six varieties of strawberries available, allowing you to enjoy tasty strawberries all year round. There are many direct sales locations and strawberry picking spots, making it easy to experience the charm of strawberries.