Travel Experiences
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Ful Experience Apple Picking with Mr.Kudo
Overview ClippiJapan's flagship Aomori experience — a fuller version of a visit to Kudo Farm that goes past picking and into the whole story of the orchard. In one focused hour you'll harvest your own apples, taste your way through several varieties side by side, walk part of the orchard grounds toward the farm's Ringo Park, and finish with photos alongside Takahisa Kudo, the ninth-generation owner. It's built for travelers who want one standout, story-rich stop on their Aomori itinerary rather than a quick photo op. What you'll do -Harvest — pick apples from the current season's varieties, guided by the orchard team -Tasting — compare varieties side by side (Tsugaru, Kahou, Toki, Shinano Sweet, Fuji, depending on season) and learn what sets each apart -Orchard walk — a guided walk through the grounds toward Ringo Park, an area not part of the standard picking visit -Photos with Kudo-san — a personal photo moment with the orchard's ninth-generation owner, when his schedule allows -The samurai family story — hear the short version of how a family of Tsugaru retainers became apple growers in 1877, and how the orchard survived Japan's worst apple typhoon on record in 1991 What's included -Full 60-minute guided visit with harvest allowance -Multi-variety tasting -Orchard walk to Ringo Park -Photo opportunity with Takahisa Kudo (subject to his availability that day) -English-language briefing materials via ClippiJapan Good to know -Because this package includes time with the owner, advance booking is required — Kudo-san keeps this farm alongside a separate day job, so slots depend on his schedule -Comfortable, closed-toe shoes recommended; the walk to Ringo Park covers uneven orchard ground -A great fit for travelers who want a slower, deeper single stop rather than several short activities in one day Meet your host -Takahisa Kudo was born in Hirosaki in 1972 and is the ninth generation of a family that has grown apples on this land since 1877 — descendants of Tsugaru domain samurai who took up farming after losing their stipends in the Meiji Restoration. He tends roughly twenty apple varieties across 2.5 hectares, sits on the Aomori Apple Association, and has represented Japanese apple growing on trips to Korea, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and New Zealand. He's appeared on NHK and local TV and radio, and has written on the industry for national agricultural publications. Guests on this package get a rare chance to meet him directly, on the same land his family has worked for nine generations. Avialable early September to late November Please fill in this form for reservation https://www.jotform.com/262310972932053
JPY 5,000
Apple Picking at Kudo Apple Farm, Hirosaki.
Overview Walk into a working orchard beneath Mt. Iwaki and pick apples straight from trees a samurai family has tended since 1877. This is the simple, fuss-free version of the experience — no set programme, no waiting for a group slot to fill, just a basket, a stretch of orchard, and as many varieties as are in season. It's the easiest way to add a genuine Aomori farm moment to a Hirosaki day trip. What you'll do -Meet your guide at the orchard entrance and get a short walkthrough of what's ripe that week -Pick your own apples from the included allowance, with the option to pick more by weight -Taste as you go — sampling is part of the visit -Bring your apples home ¥150 per 100g Good to know -Includes a starting weight allowance; anything picked beyond that is charged at ¥150/100g Wear closed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting a little dusty -Low walking, flat orchard paths — comfortable for most ages and mobility levels English-language guidance materials provided through ClippiJapan; the orchard team itself communicates in Japanese -Rain or shine — the orchard only closes for severe weather, and ClippiJapan will notify you if that happens -Meet the orchard Kudo Farm is run by Takahisa Kudo, the ninth generation of a family descended from Tsugaru domain samurai who took up apple growing after the Meiji Restoration in 1877. It remains the only samurai-descended orchard family in the region still farming the land it was granted — a detail that makes even a 30-minute picking stop feel like a piece of real local history. Avialable early September to late November Please fill in this form for reservation https://form.jotform.com/262310972932053
JPY 1,000