Okayama Prefecture is blessed with rich nature and a mild climate, and is renowned nationwide as a fruit kingdom.
In particular, it is famous for the production of peaches and grapes, supported by many producers who ensure their quality. Tamashima in Kurashiki City is also known as a peach-producing area, but there may be few cafes specializing in fruits.
In July 2023, "Kurashiki Fruit Village" opened in Tamashima Yashima (Tomita) to provide a place for tourists and locals to enjoy fresh local fruits.
About a year after its opening, it seems to be popular among locals as a cafe where delicious fruit sweets can be enjoyed.
What kind of shop is "Kurashiki Fruit Village"? Let me introduce it right away.
What is Kurashiki Fruit Village?
"Kurashiki Fruit Village" opened on July 23, 2023, along Prefectural Route 60 in Tamashima Yashima (Tomita).
As you drive along the prefectural road, you will see a wooden sign. The sign can be hard to spot, so be careful not to miss it.
It features a cafe space that uses locally sourced ingredients to offer sweets and lunch, as well as a direct market selling locally sourced products.
There are 5 parking spaces in front of the shop and 11 in the back. The grounds are spacious, so even those who are not good at parking can feel at ease.
There are two terrace seating areas, one in front of the shop and one at the entrance, with a total of 7 tables and 20 seats.
During pleasant seasons, you can enjoy the cafe while surrounded by nature.
Inside the shop (cafe space)
Upon entering the shop, a charming space perfect for social media posts unfolds before you.
There are table seats that can accommodate both small and large groups. There are also counter seats, so you can enjoy dining casually even alone.
You place your order and pay at the reception first. A buzzer is given, and you wait at your table.
Menu of Kurashiki Fruit Village
Prices include tax. Information as of August 2024.
There is a lunch menu, but the star is the fruit. The menu features sweets made with fruits.
The types of fruits vary by season. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as strawberries, peaches, grapes, and mandarins, which is delightful.
When I visited for the interview, peaches were in their prime. I immediately tried the recommended menu.
Recommended Menu 1 - Today's Fruit Parfait
The sight of a large peach placed whole on top is captivating. It is said that more than one peach is used in a single parfait.
Since it is served in a transparent container, you can see the layers of the parfait underneath.
I excitedly bring the spoon to my mouth, wondering what is inside.
The beautifully arranged peach, which has been compoted, has a sweetness that highlights the quality of the ingredients.
Cold ice cream is placed in the container, and when eaten together, you can experience a different deliciousness of the peach.
Under the ice cream is homemade granola. Homemade granola is quite rare, isn't it?
Thanks to the granola containing oats and walnuts, I don't feel much guilt while eating the parfait.
Inside the parfait, mixing in yogurt, plum jam, and peach jelly continues the delicious sweetness, whether enjoyed together or separately, and I finished it in no time.
Recommended Menu 2 - Freshly Baked Pancakes with Fruits
The pancakes are as popular as the fruit parfait. You can choose from one pancake or more. I ordered two to share with a friend.
They are baked after the order is received, so you can enjoy hot pancakes.
Cold ice cream spreads like a smooth sauce over the hot pancakes, and when you put it in your mouth, the temperature difference creates a delightful experience.
The fruits include not only peaches but also compote of loquats, allowing you to enjoy different sweetness. The texture of the granola topping adds another accent, making it delicious.
Recommended Menu 3 - White Peach Rare Cheesecake
It was not listed on the menu, but original cakes and seasonal tarts were also available for sale in the showcase.
The author chose the White Peach Rare Cheesecake for takeout.
It seems that cheese from Kurashiki Cheese Workshop Harupalu, which operates a farm in Tamashima, is used.
As someone who loves rare cheesecake, I was curious about the taste and immediately tried it.
The moment I took a bite, the creamy flavor of the cheese spread across my palate. As I continued eating, the sweetness of the peach flesh also added to it, enhancing the richness of the cheesecake.
I was surprised to find that adding fruit flesh to the rare cheesecake could create such a exquisite flavor. Definitely a repeat order.
Direct Market
At the back of the cafe space, there is a Direct Market that sells products such as fruits and vegetables directly shipped from the production area, as well as sweets and crafts.
In the refrigerated case, cheese from Kurashiki Cheese Workshop Harupalu, which was also used in the rare cheesecake mentioned earlier, is available for sale.
It's nice that the ingredients used in the shop can be purchased right away.
There are various products from different vendors, so you can browse while waiting for your cafe order.
This is hand-stretched pasta made from domestic wheat used in the lunch menu. It is a product from Ikeda Seimenjo located in Yakage Town.
Just at the time of the interview, a peach farmer brought peaches directly. In addition to gifts, household peaches are also available for purchase.
The original products of Kurashiki Fruit Village are also available for takeout.
All products use fruits from Okayama Prefecture, making them perfect for souvenirs or gifts for those outside the prefecture.
The feelings of the representative, who wants to support the local people working hard, come through at Kurashiki Fruit Village.
I interviewed Mr. Tanabe Makoto, the representative of Kurashiki Fruit Village, who has just celebrated the first anniversary since opening.
Data on Kurashiki Fruit Village
| Name | Kurashiki Fruit Village |
|---|---|
| Address | 1707-1 Yashima, Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-486-0262 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Irregular holidays (if Monday is a holiday, the following day is closed) |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Seating | Counter seats: 4 Indoor table seats: 12 Outdoor terrace seats: 20 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking (smoking area available outdoors) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kurashiki Fruit Village |
