Interview with the representative of Kurashiki Fruit Village
We spoke with Makoto Tanabe, representative of Kurashiki Fruit Village, about how the shop came to be and the ideas behind it.
Why Kurashiki Fruit Village opened
What made you decide to open Kurashiki Fruit Village?
Tanabe (honorific omitted)
I got the idea because, although lots of delicious peaches and grapes are grown in Tamashima, there are few places to sample them or cafes specializing in fruit.
The site of Kurashiki Fruit Village was originally rented as a storage yard for materials for Fullsite Co., Ltd., the company I run. When I had the opportunity to buy the land, I decided to make my long-held dream come true and open a cafe specializing in fruit.
Another reason I decided to go ahead was that one of my company’s employees had a chef’s qualification.
What makes the shop special
I see. What makes your shop special?
Tanabe
For the cafe, I wanted a fast-food style where anyone could drop in casually and sit wherever they liked.
We also made local production for local consumption our concept, and made a point of using local ingredients and ingredients produced in Okayama Prefecture whenever possible.
We also wanted to support local farmers and small goods shops without their own storefronts, so we added a directly operated shop where we could sell fruit and vegetables sent directly from producers, sweets, handmade goods, and more.
The future of Kurashiki Fruit Village
I hear you celebrated your first anniversary in July 2024. What kind of shop would you like it to become in the future?
Tanabe
The shop staff work together to make the shop lively so that lots of customers will come.
I’m very grateful to them, and feel that we’ve made it this far thanks to the staff.
We use plastic containers, so customers can eat sweets outside, too. I hope people will spend some relaxing time here, stopping by to take a break during a drive like at a drive-in or roadside station, and browse for souvenirs.
The road in front of the shop is also a cycling route recommended by Okayama Prefecture. So, in January 2024, we registered as a Hare-iro Cycle Cafe.
We also have a cycle stand, so we hope road cyclists will stop by for a break.
From the Writer
When I visited to report on the shop, local regulars were chatting happily and relaxing together.
The cafe uses fresh local fruit and is loved by the community, with many fans looking forward to enjoying seasonal fruit.
After peach season comes grape season. The menu features items made with Shine Muscat and Pione grapes.
Summer in Okayama is full of delicious, fresh fruit.
At Kurashiki Fruit Village, the ingredients in the parfaits are apparently updated every year, making us look forward to them even more.
Why not stop by and try some sweet and delicious desserts?
Kurashiki Fruit Village details
| Name | Kurashiki Fruit Village |
|---|---|
| Address | 1707-1 Tamashima Yashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-486-0262 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Weekends and holidays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Mondays Tuesdays: Irregular holidays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day) |
| Payment methods |
|
| Seating | Counter seats: 4 Indoor table seats: 12 Outdoor terrace seats: 20 |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking (outdoor smoking area available) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kurashiki Fruit Village |
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CAFE & MARKET Kurashiki Fruit Village