The History of Apricot Cultivation
The history of Apricot Village is traditionally traced back to the Genroku period of the Edo era. According to local tradition, Toyohime, the daughter of Date Munetoshi, lord of the Uwajima Domain in Iyo, married Sanada Yukimichi, the third lord of the Matsushiro Domain.
When Toyohime moved to Shinshu, she is said to have brought apricot seeds from her homeland because she missed the scenery and produce of her native region. The seeds took root in the area around Mori and Kurashina and eventually became the foundation of the local apricot-growing tradition.
There was also a practical reason for encouraging apricot cultivation. Apricot kernels, known as anjin or apricot kernels in traditional medicine, were valued as a remedy for coughs, and the Matsushiro Domain encouraged the cultivation of apricots.
The Mori and Kurashina districts were not particularly well suited to conventional farming because their fields contained many stones. However, the gentle slopes offered excellent sunlight and drainage, making them surprisingly suitable for growing apricot trees.
Spring Arrives with a Sea of Apricot Blossoms
A “City of Flowers” in Chikuma
Spring arrives relatively late in the Shinshu region, but when it finally comes, the apricot trees bloom just before the cherry blossoms. The orchards covering the gentle slopes of Chikuma transform the landscape into a soft-colored carpet of flowers.
The main apricot-growing area lies at an elevation of approximately 380 to 450 meters. During the peak flowering season, thousands of trees spread across the hillsides, creating the breathtaking landscape for which Apricot Village is famous.
From elevated viewpoints such as Uedaira Observatory and Kuboyama View Park, visitors can look across the orchards toward the distant mountains. When conditions are right, the pale apricot blossoms are framed by the remaining snow on Mount Togakushi and Mount Iizuna, creating one of the most memorable spring landscapes in northern Nagano.
The Apricot Festival
The annual Apricot Festival is generally held from late March through early April, centered around the Mori and Kurashina districts. More than 100,000 visitors come during the festival period to enjoy the blossoms and the lively atmosphere.
During the festival, shuttle buses operate between major areas, making it easier for visitors to explore the extensive orchards. Local specialties are also sold, and various events are held throughout the area.
For travelers planning a spring visit to Nagano, the festival offers an opportunity to combine flower viewing with local food, rural scenery and traditional culture.
Fresh Apricots in Early Summer
Fruit Picking from Late June to Mid-July
After the flowers fade, the orchards gradually take on a completely different appearance. From approximately late June through mid-July, the blossoms have developed into orange-colored fruit, marking the beginning of the apricot-picking season.
A variety of apricots are grown in the region. These include Showa, a variety said to have originated in the Mori district, and Harcot, which is especially popular for eating fresh.
Fresh apricots are relatively uncommon outside their growing regions, making the opportunity to taste them directly at the source a special experience. Their distinctive balance of sweetness and refreshing acidity makes freshly picked apricots particularly appealing during the early summer season.
Apricot Village Agri Park
Apricot Village Agri Park is a useful stop for visitors exploring the area. In addition to selling products made from locally grown apricots, the facility offers seasonal fruit-picking experiences.
Strawberry picking is available from approximately December through June, while mandarin orange picking is offered from October through February. A flower garden is also located on the grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal plants throughout much of the year.
Apricot Village Local Products Center
The Apricot Village Local Products Center sells locally grown agricultural products and processed foods. The restaurant also offers dishes made using apricots, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the fruit in ways beyond simply eating it fresh.
The center is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the restaurant operating from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and on the day following a national holiday.
Mori Shogunzuka Kofun and Shina no Mura
Apricot Village is also home to important archaeological and cultural sites. One of the most notable is Mori Shogunzuka Kofun, a large keyhole-shaped burial mound constructed around the 4th century.
The kofun is approximately 100 meters long and has been reconstructed and preserved as a National Historic Site. Its scale offers a glimpse into the power and social organization of ancient communities in the Shinano region.
Next to the burial mound is Shina no Mura, a facility recreating aspects of life during the Kofun period. Visitors can see reconstructed pit dwellings and raised-floor storehouses, providing a more tangible understanding of how people lived in ancient Japan.
Nagano Prefectural Museum of History
The Nagano Prefectural Museum of History introduces the history and culture of Shinshu through exhibitions designed around the themes of seeing, touching and experiencing.
The museum presents architecture, everyday life and cultural traditions from different periods of Japanese history. It is a useful place to visit before or after exploring the archaeological sites of Apricot Village, particularly for travelers who want to understand the broader historical background of Nagano.
Admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for university students. Admission is free for high school students and younger visitors.
Apricot Village Sketch Park
Apricot Village Sketch Park is a picturesque area where old apricot trees and traditional houses have been preserved. The atmosphere is especially charming during the flowering season, when the historic landscape is surrounded by blossoms.
The park is also known for a visit by the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita during a private trip in 2013.
Admission and parking are generally free, although fees may be charged during the Apricot Festival period.
Kanshuji Temple
Kanshuji Temple is an old Buddhist temple traditionally said to have been founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the celebrated military commander who lived during the late eighth and early ninth centuries.
The temple is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Depending on the timing of the seasons, visitors may be able to enjoy both cherry blossoms and apricot blossoms during the same trip.
Other Seasonal Attractions
German Iris Flower Garden
The German Iris Tourist Flower Garden is generally at its best from early to late May, providing another opportunity to enjoy the area’s seasonal flowers after the apricot season.
Shina no Mura Rice-Planting Festival
The Shina no Mura Rice-Planting Festival is held on the second Sunday of June, offering visitors a chance to experience a traditional agricultural landscape and local customs.
Chinowa Festival
The Chinowa Festival at Susukimizu Shrine is held every year on July 31. The festival features the traditional Japanese custom of passing through a large ring made from woven reeds as a ritual of purification.
Former Site of Amemiya Ferry Crossing
The Former Site of the Amemiya Ferry Crossing is associated with the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, one of the most famous military conflicts of Japan’s Warring States period involving Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin.
Sarashina Hanaori Workshop
At the Sarashina Hanaori Workshop, visitors can learn about local textile traditions and enjoy an apricot-dyeing experience. The facility also includes a café, making it a pleasant stop while exploring the countryside.
Apricot-Based Souvenirs and Local Foods
The flavors of Apricot Village continue long after the blossoms have disappeared. Local producers turn the fruit into a wide range of sweets and preserved foods, allowing visitors to take the taste of Chikuma home with them.
Yokoshima Bussan and Anrian
Yokoshima Bussan and Anrian offer a selection of processed apricot products, including dried apricots, apricot cheesecake, wine and chocolate.
The main sales season generally runs from late June through early July, coinciding with the local apricot harvest.
From Blossoms to Fruit: A Year-Round Rural Landscape
One of the special qualities of Apricot Village is that its appeal changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring, the hillsides become a sea of delicate blossoms. In early summer, the same orchards produce fragrant orange fruit that visitors can pick and taste fresh.
The surrounding attractions add further depth to the experience. Ancient burial mounds reveal the history of early Shinano, traditional buildings preserve the atmosphere of rural Japan, and local festivals continue to connect the community with its cultural heritage.
A Beautiful Seasonal Destination in Chikuma
Apricot Village is one of Chikuma City’s most distinctive seasonal attractions, offering much more than a spectacular flower-viewing experience.
From the legendary origins of apricot cultivation in the Edo period to the vast orchards that bloom each spring, the landscape reflects centuries of interaction between people, agriculture and nature. The combination of mountain scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and local fruit makes the area especially rewarding to explore at a leisurely pace.
Whether you visit for the spring blossoms, the early-summer fruit harvest, the historic sites or the local foods, Apricot Village offers a memorable way to experience the changing seasons of Shinshu.