Okayama Prefecture is a region rich in nature, known for its active production of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Soja City is blessed with rice fields and farmland, and is known as a city popular among child-rearing generations due to its warm climate.
Kurashiki Tocotoco, which was established in Soja City in 2005, is a tourist farm that is well-loved by local residents and is widely known not only within Soja City but also throughout Okayama Prefecture.
Many people from outside the prefecture visit Kurashiki Tocotoco.
Let me introduce the facilities and attractions available.
What is Kurashiki Tocotoco?
Kurashiki Tocotoco is one of the largest tourist farms in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, located in Soja City, Okayama Prefecture.
In December 2003, Agri Genki Okayama Co., Ltd. was established. After a year of preparation, it had a pre-opening in November 2004 and grand opening in March 2005.
Initially starting with flower production and sales, in October 2005, it opened a direct sales store for agricultural products, and by the end of the year, it opened a strawberry picking area and a café. Since then, it has continuously added facilities on the premises, and in 2012, it opened a sister store, Kurashiki Tocotoco Okayama Store, in Okayama City.
In 2014, it became a subsidiary of Rick Corporation (now Time Co., Ltd.), and in 2017, it opened a sister store, Kurashiki Tocotoco Akaiwa Farm, in Akaiwa City, adapting to various customer needs and evolving into its current form.
About the facilities of Kurashiki Tocotoco
The area of Kurashiki Tocotoco is 45,400 square meters, approximately the size of one Tokyo Dome.
The premises are equipped with various facilities so that people of all ages can spend a fun and relaxing day.
The facilities at Kurashiki Tocotoco are as follows:
- Strawberry House……A facility for one of the largest strawberry picking experiences in Okayama Prefecture (season: January to around May)
- Barbecue Corner……A facility where you can enjoy barbecues on weekends and holidays
- Stone Oven Pizza Experience Workshop……A facility where you can enjoy pizza-making experiences on weekends and holidays
- Colorful Space……A rental space that is often used for events and classes, allowing for flexible use
- Sunny Plaza……Hosts planting classes and lectures with guest speakers
- Direct Sales Store for Flowers……Sells a variety of products including flower seedlings, fruit tree seedlings, potted plants, cut flowers, and gardening goods
- Direct Sales Store for Agricultural Products……Sells fruits and vegetables cultivated by 600 producers in Okayama Prefecture
- Mini Zoo and Horse Riding Experience……Open on weekends and holidays. Feeding small animals and horse riding experiences are also available
- Kids Garden……A garden with playground equipment and a sandbox
- Dog Run……A play area for dogs with washing and drinking areas
- Green Terrace……A resting area with about 100 seats where you can relax with products purchased on-site
- Icchi's Bakery……Sells handmade bread baked on-site
- Gardens Kitchen……Sells handmade bento and side dishes made on-site
- Gardens Café……Sells sweets such as soft serve ice cream and gelato
- Cake Workshop……Sells cakes made with seasonal fruits and baked goods perfect for gifts
- Sweet Potato Digging Farm……A sweet potato digging experience available only in the autumn season
- RV Park……Parking spaces exclusively for those using RVs, equipped with showers
- General Reception……Reception for strawberry picking and dog run
Introduction to the facilities of Kurashiki Tocotoco
With so many facilities, it can be hard to decide where to start exploring.
Let’s pick out and introduce what the premises look like.
Direct Sales Store for Agricultural Products
I visited for an interview in early September. It was right in the middle of the Okayama Grape Festival, and many people were bustling about buying grapes for gifts and for home use.
The direct sales store for agricultural products holds seasonal fruit festivals throughout the year. Particularly popular are the Okayama Peach Festival held in July and the Okayama Grape Festival held in September. The variety and quantity of products are impressive, but they sell out quickly, keeping the staff busy restocking.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the direct sales store also offers a variety of products such as meat and eggs.
The alcohol corner featuring local beers and wines, as well as a section filled with unique products sourced from across the country, seem to attract the interest of visitors.
The corner for traditional Japanese sweets and souvenirs is also well-stocked, catering to families with children and tourists.
Direct Sales Store for Flowers
The direct sales store for flowers at Kurashiki Tocotoco has an area of 6,500 square meters, making it feel like a flower field with its vast sales area.
You can enjoy the colorful flowers that change with the seasons, and choose your favorite flowers while enjoying their fragrance.
Events are held almost every month, and it is a place where many people feel comfortable consulting with instructors and staff during workshops and planting classes.
There is also a rich selection of cute seasonal goods and gardening supplies, satisfying both beginners and advanced gardeners.
Cake Workshop
Opened in 2017 next to the Gardens Café, the cute wooden container house is the Cake Workshop.
Here, you can find not only cakes but also puddings, cream puffs, and baked goods, all perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
Particularly popular is the roll cake that changes with the seasons.
In September 2024, they were selling a limited-time grape roll cake.
The roll cake is topped with an abundance of fresh grapes that look like they might spill off, and large grapes are also inside the cake, allowing you to fully enjoy both the fruit and cake flavors.
The most popular is the “Fully Ripe Strawberry Roll Cake” made with strawberries grown at Noma Agricultural Garden Kibiji. It’s definitely something to try when visiting during the strawberry season.
Gardens Cafe
“Gardens Cafe” is located in the same facility as Ichi's Bakery and Gardens Kitchen.
At Gardens Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of sweets, including Daigo Cherry Blossom Gelato and Soft Serve Ice Cream that can be enjoyed in any season, as well as summer-only Shaved Ice.
The Mango Soft Serve Ice Cream I had when I visited in the summer.
It was so moist that it felt like I was eating a real mango, and it was a luxurious treat.
Ichi's Bakery
“Ichi's Bakery” opened in July 2021 within the Noma Agricultural Garden facility.
Since it is baked on-site, you can purchase freshly baked bread every day.
With so many varieties, it can be hard to decide which to buy. New products are added every month, so you can enjoy various flavors.
The most popular is the Salted Butter Bread with Red Bean Paste. The affordable price is also one of its attractions. Additionally, the Noma Dog is said to be popular as well.
Stone Oven Pizza Workshop (Weekends and Holidays Only)
At Noma Agricultural Garden Kibiji, you can enjoy a “Pizza Making Experience” on weekends and holidays only. The operating hours are from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (last order).
You can choose from the following four types of pizza:
In the experience, you can stretch the dough with a pizza roller, add toppings, and make authentic pizza baked in a stone oven.
The staff will bake the pizza after the toppings are finished. Once you cut it with a pizza cutter, it’s ready to eat.
The Margherita has a rich flavor with tomato sauce and cheese melting into the hot crust. The vegetable pizza is also loaded with plenty of vegetables, making it very filling.
When I experienced it, it was bustling with families with children. It was fun, delicious, and full of value.
Barbecue Corner (Weekends and Holidays Only)
Next to the pizza oven, there is a facility where you can enjoy a barbecue for up to 50 people from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends and holidays. There are two ways to enjoy the barbecue:
By making a reservation and selecting your preferred ingredients from the menu, you can eat right away on the day. There’s no need for preparation or cleanup, so you can enjoy the barbecue easily.
If there are any available seats, you can also register on the day without a reservation. You can purchase your own meat and vegetables at the on-site direct sales store and enjoy the barbecue right there. Even without prior preparation, you can borrow knives and cutting boards, so you can enjoy it whenever you feel like it.
※The last order for both options is at 1:00 PM.
The direct sales store also sells cold beer, so it seems like a great time to spend with family and friends.
Mini Zoo & Horseback Riding Experience
Every weekend and holiday, a mini zoo and horseback riding experience come from Wakakoma Farm in Okayama City.
The entrance is located on the far east side of the Noma Agricultural Garden Kibiji grounds.
You can also feed them, allowing for direct interaction with the adorable animals.
Just watching the animals is soothing, but you can also try horseback riding, so it's nice to give it a go casually.
Dog Run
If you proceed to the back of the flower direct sales office, there is a dog run exclusively for small and medium-sized dogs.
Washing areas for paws and drinking water stations are fully equipped, so the dogs can spend comfortably.
- Business hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Reception until 4:00 PM)
- Usage time: 60 minutes
- Entrance fee: 440 yen (including tax) per dog. Discounts available for registered members. Please check the Noumaru Gardening website for details.
However, it will be closed in case of rain or poor ground conditions.
Strawberry Picking
The largest strawberry picking event in Okayama Prefecture, attracting around 40,000 visitors annually.
You can enjoy it from early January to the end of May. The strawberry picking at Noumaru Gardening features high-rise cultivation, allowing you to eat while standing, making it safe for wheelchairs and strollers.
The strawberries are of the following four varieties.
- Benihoppe
- Kaorino
- Akihime
- Hareichigo
The ability to compare flavors is also a unique charm of Noumaru Gardening. It is very popular, so it is recommended to make a reservation via the website or by phone before visiting.
There are still many facilities lined up at Noumaru Gardening Kibiji Farm that are not fully explained yet.
I spoke with the Deputy Farm Manager Ando Yukihiro about the attractions of Noumaru Gardening Kibiji Farm.
Data of Agri Genki Okayama Co., Ltd. [Noumaru Gardening Kibiji Farm]
| Organization Name | Agri Genki Okayama Co., Ltd. [Noumaru Gardening Kibiji Farm] |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tourism Farm |
| Representative Name | Wakimoto Naoaki |
| Established Year | December 12, 2003 |
| Address | 411-1 Nishi, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0866-94-6755 |
| Website | Noumaru Gardening |
※During the strawberry season, it will change to strawberry pizza.