Strawberries, with their sweet and tangy juiciness, are a fruit beloved by many. The flavor, texture, and fragrance of strawberries can vary depending on the variety, offering a delightful range of tastes to enjoy.
Strawberry-themed sweets make for popular souvenirs, and in this article, we'll introduce strawberry souvenirs available in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan's top strawberry producer. We'll also highlight strawberry-picking tours near Nikko Station, the gateway to sightseeing in Tochigi. If you're a strawberry lover, you won't want to miss this!
*The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication. Prices may vary depending on the store.
*Some purchases or reservations made through links in this article may generate a small commission for FUN! JAPAN.
Tochigi Prefecture : Japan's Top Strawberry-Producing Prefecture
Tochigi Prefecture is known as the "Strawberry Kingdom" of Japan, boasting the highest strawberry production in the country. A perfect blend of natural resources and advanced cultivation techniques produces the sweet and delicious strawberries that Tochigi is famous for.
What Makes Tochigi's Strawberries So Delicious?
Tochigi benefits from an ideal climate for growing strawberries, with significant temperature differences between day and night and long hours of sunlight. These factors are said to enhance the strawberries' sweetness and rich flavor. Additionally, the region is blessed with mineral-rich underground water and fertile, well-drained soil—both essential elements for producing high-quality strawberries.
Main Strawberry Varieties Grown in Tochigi Prefecture
Various varieties of strawberries are grown in Tochigi Prefecture, but the main varieties are as follows.
| Variety Name | Harvest Season | Features |
| Tochiotome | October – June | A well-balanced blend of sweetness and tartness with a rich flavor. The flesh is firm, and the color is vibrant. |
| Skyberry | November – June | An upgraded version of Tochiotome. It’s very sweet with minimal acidity and a fragrant aroma. Large, glossy red berries are its signature. |
| Tochihime | December – May | Low in acidity, this variety stands out for its sweetness. It’s best enjoyed fresh due to its soft, juicy texture and slightly whitish flesh. |
| Natsuotome | June – October | A rare variety harvested in summer. When sliced vertically, it reveals a heart-shaped red center. |
| Milky Berry | December – May | Known for its high sugar content and soft acidity, it offers a creamy taste. Its pale pink to nearly white skin makes it a popular choice for gifting. |
| Tochiaika | October – June | First shipped in the fall of 2019, this Tochigi-original variety has a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with firm flesh and excellent shelf life. |
6 Strawberry Souvenirs You Can Buy at Nikko Station (+ Special Edition)
6 Strawberry Souvenirs You Can Buy at Nikko Station (+ Special Mention)
The Nikko area, located in the northwestern part of Tochigi Prefecture, is famous for its rich natural landscapes and historical landmarks. Among its highlights are the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" and the stunning seasonal views within its national parks.
Nikko Station is a gateway for many tourists visiting the area, and around the station, you’ll find several shops offering unique and delightful souvenirs. Here are some recommended strawberry-themed gifts to consider picking up during your visit.
| Product Name | Price (tax included) | Contents |
| Tochigi Alfort Strawberry Disney Package | ¥864 | 14 pieces |
| Milky (Tochiotome) | Open Price | 6 pieces × 6 boxes |
| KitKat Mini Tochiotome | ¥972 | 10 pieces |
| Tochigi Limited Tochiaika Gummy | ¥500 | 100g |
| Tochigi Strawberry Pastries - Premium Strawberry Choco Sandwich | ¥810 | 5 pieces |
| Tochigi Limited Strawberry Caramel | ¥300 | 18 pieces |
| CHOCOTTO NIKKO - Traveling Strawberry Chocolate | ¥1,600 | - |
Tochigi Alfort Strawberry Disney Package
This special edition uses powder from Tochigi's signature strawberry, "Skyberry," offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness with a fragrant aroma. The crispy biscuit and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate perfectly complement the Skyberry flavor. The individual packages feature three different Disney character designs, and with nine different chocolate patterns to discover, you’ll enjoy the surprise with every piece.
- Price (Tax-Included): ¥864
- Contents: 14 pieces
Milky (Tochiotome)
The long-loved "Milky" candy, known as "The Taste of Mom," now features the flavor of Tochigi's Tochiotome strawberries. This version keeps the classic Milky taste but adds a burst of sweet and tangy Tochiotome strawberry flavor. Each box contains six small packs, making it a perfect souvenir for sharing with friends and family.
Price (Tax-Included): Open Price
- Contents: 6 pieces × 6 boxes
KitKat Mini Tochiotome
Part of the "Regional KitKat" series, this Tochigi version highlights the delicious flavor of Tochiotome strawberries. The fragrant aroma of the strawberry blends perfectly with the crispy wafer, which is sandwiched with strawberry-flavored cream. The retro package design, complete with adorable strawberry illustrations, adds a charming touch.
Price (Tax-Included): ¥972
- Contents: 10 pieces
Tochigi Limited Tochiaika Gummy
Made with the rich puree of Tochigi’s premium strawberry, Tochiaika, these gummies are packed with intense strawberry flavor. Despite their small size, they deliver a mouthful of sweet and tangy goodness with a chewy texture that keeps you reaching for more. The fun, crate-shaped packaging makes this a unique and delightful souvenir.
Price (Tax-Included): ¥500
- Contents: 100g
Tochigi Strawberry Pastries - Premium Strawberry Choco Sandwich
This indulgent treat is made with Tochigi’s Tochiotome strawberries, layered into a five-tiered sweet. The combination of tangy strawberry chocolate and refreshing cream creates a perfect balance, while the crispy texture of the Langue de Chat biscuit adds an enjoyable crunch, ensuring every bite is a delight until the very end.
Price (Tax-Included): ¥810
- Contents: 5 pieces
Tochigi Limited Strawberry Caramel
This collaboration between Sanrio characters and Tochigi offers an adorable package featuring Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll, each with a strawberry perched on their heads. The cute, Tochigi-exclusive design makes it a perfect little souvenir for friends, or a treat for yourself. And at just ¥300, it’s budget-friendly too.
Price (Tax-Included): ¥300
- Contents: 18 pieces
[Special Edition] CHOCOTTO NIKKO - Traveling Strawberry Chocolate
Part of the "CHOCOTTO NIKKO" project by Nikko City, this unique treat is available only onboard the new limited express train "Spacia X." It’s crafted to resemble a real strawberry, with white chocolate infused into the fruit, balancing the sweet and tangy flavors of the Tochiotome strawberry. A sophisticated delight for strawberry and chocolate lovers alike.
- Price (Tax-Included): ¥1,600
Enjoy a Strawberry Picking Experience! A Tour to Fully Experience Tochigi’s Charm
If simply buying strawberry souvenirs isn’t enough for you, we recommend joining a tour that includes a strawberry-picking experience! These tours take you through famous Tochigi sightseeing spots, allowing you to enjoy the region’s nature and history while indulging in local strawberries. You’ll be able to taste and compare the unique flavors of Tochigi’s finest strawberries, savoring each variety’s distinct taste.
Comments