Seasonal Special: Apple Blossoms & Spring Hand-Thinning

Blessed with long sun hours and pure alpine water from the Northern Alps, Azumino is a premier apple-growing region in Japan. This exclusive seasonal tour invites you to experience the beautiful environment of Nakamura Natural Farm. Reflecting the atmosphere of the era when apple cultivation first began in this region, the farm faithfully preserves traditional growing methods to this day.

On the tour, you will learn about the orchard’s history and the intricacies of apple cultivation. During a brief window from late April, the trees are adorned with delicate, snowy-white blossoms. Here, you will participate in “blossom picking”—a vital technique of thinning flowers to focus the tree’s energy and ensure the growth of high-quality fruit. As spring progresses into May, the experience transitions to “spring hand-thinning,” where young fruit clusters are carefully thinned to ensure each remaining apple reaches its full potential in size and flavor.

This is more than a farm visit; it is an insight into the “Shun” (seasonality) and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines Japanese agriculture. After your hands-on experience in the refreshing beauty of the orchard, unwind in the crisp spring air with a tasting of premium apple juice and local treats, surrounded by the mountain views.