Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha can look forward to a new hands-on experience this summer. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the hotel is holding "Travel Serendipity: Fruit Harvesting and Original Danish-Making with a Local Navigator in Ukiha," the first installment of a seasonal series built around the region's fruit. This debut edition puts the spotlight on Kyoho grapes, often called the "king of fruits," with a program that runs from harvesting through tasting.
The event is organized by Fairfield by Marriott's Michinoeki Project, which operates 29 accommodation-focused hotels across Japan under the idea of travelling from hotel to hotel to uncover a region's lesser-known charms. Themed around "questing the unknown Japan," the project is designed to help guests discover distinctive local experiences and hidden attractions nationwide.
Ukiha City in Fukuoka Prefecture benefits from a wide temperature swing between day and night, plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and clean water sources — natural conditions well suited to fruit cultivation. These factors help concentrate the sugar and flavor of the fruit, and the area is known as one of Japan's leading fruit-growing regions, producing high-quality grapes, pears, and persimmons at the foot of the Mino mountain range. Nearby, the "Michi no Eki Ukiha" roadside station displays fresh, seasonal fruit that draws locals and visitors alike, making it an easy spot to experience the charm of "fruit kingdom Ukiha."
The event lets guests see, touch, and taste Ukiha's fruit firsthand. First, at Nakashima Farm, participants hear from the growers about their approach to cultivation before picking ripe Kyoho grapes by hand — an experience that deepens appreciation for how the fruit is grown and can make the flavor even more rewarding. Afterward, at Kawasemi Danish, guests try their hand at making an original Danish pastry using the grapes they just picked, learning techniques to bring out the fruit's flavor before finishing their own creation. A tea break follows, giving guests time to enjoy their crisp, fruit-filled Danish pastry and unwind.
The event ties in with "Travel Serendipity," a travel podcast that began airing in March 2026 under the idea that chance encounters and discoveries make travel richer, introducing the people, culture, and charm of different regions in depth. Its first episode featured Ms. Mayu Hisatsugu, owner of Kawasemi Danish, as a guest, and she joins this event as the local navigator guiding participants through Ukiha's highlights. Listening to the episode beforehand can add extra depth and discovery to the experience:
https://www.sekisuihouse.co.jp/development_business/fairfield-tabisere/episode/001/index.html
Event Details
- Date: August 30, 2026 (Sunday), 8:45 AM to 12:00 PM
- Eligibility: Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha the previous night, elementary school age and older
- Capacity: 9 people (minimum 2 to run)
- Participation fee: ¥3,000 per person, ¥1,500 for elementary school students (tax included), payable at the front desk at check-in (cash not accepted)
- Included: Kyoho grapes to take home (about 1 kg per person; additional grapes or other fruit purchased on-site are paid separately, cash only), a fruit Danish pastry with one drink, and an original Kawasemi Danish tote bag
Schedule:
- 8:45 AM — Gather at the hotel lobby, depart by jumbo taxi
- 9:00 AM — Arrive at Nakashima Farm, fruit-harvesting experience
- 10:15 AM — Depart Nakashima Farm
- 10:30 AM — Arrive at Kawasemi Danish, Danish-making experience and tea time
- 11:45 AM — Depart Kawasemi Danish
- 12:00 PM — Arrive back at the hotel
Schedule is subject to slight changes depending on the day's conditions. In case of rain, the Kyoho-harvesting activity will be replaced with a talk about the orchard's cultivation practices, its history, and the appeal of seasonal fruit.
- Attire: Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers recommended); a hat is also recommended
- What to bring: A drink for hydration and a towel
- How to participate: After booking a hotel stay, contact Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha at 0943-76-9120 to register
- Application deadline: August 28, 2026 (Friday), 5:00 PM
More installments in the "Seasonal Fruit Harvesting and Original Danish-Making" series are planned for later in the year:
- Part 2: September 27, 2026 (Sunday) — Niitaka pears, known for their juicy flavor and large size
- Part 3: October 18, 2026 (Sunday) — Taishu persimmons, valued for their crisp texture and refined sweetness
The fruit varieties harvested may change depending on growing conditions. Details for each event will be announced at a later date.
Nakashima Farm
A fruit orchard marked by its thatched roof, where visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit picking across a spacious orchard, including grapes, pears, and persimmons.
Address: 1055-1 Asada, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/nakashimanouen/
Kawasemi Danish
A Danish pastry shop specializing in fruit Danishes made with fruit delivered directly from local farmers in Ukiha City, capturing seasonal fruit at its most flavorful moment.
Address: 1340 Yoshii-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture
https://www.instagram.com/kawasemidanish/
