Three Consecutive Years as the Only "Premium Strawberry Prefecture Saitama" in Japan
Saitama Prefecture is welcoming the strawberry season once again this year. Saitama strawberries, including the prefecture's original variety "Amarin," have received high acclaim by winning top gold awards and other honors at various contests.
This season also brings a full lineup of events where you can enjoy Saitama strawberries. Experience their deliciousness for yourself.
1. About Strawberries in Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture takes advantage of its excellent location in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with strawberry production actively carried out throughout the prefecture, including many strawberry picking farms.
At the "National Strawberry Championship" and "Christmas Strawberry Championship" hosted by the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association, "Amarin" and "Benitama" submitted by producers in the prefecture have won the top gold awards in all past editions of both championships, achieving six consecutive victories. Saitama Prefecture has been recognized by the association as the only "Premium Strawberry Prefecture" in Japan for three consecutive years.
At the "3rd Christmas Strawberry Championship" held in December 2025, "Benitama" won the top gold award. In addition, producers in the prefecture won 3 gold awards, 1 silver award, and 1 bronze award, with Saitama Prefecture monopolizing all gold awards.
Reference: Award-Winning Record at Contests Hosted by Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association
●National Strawberry Championship
- 1st Edition (February 2023)
Top gold award for "Amarin" (Producer: Hiro Farm (Kasukabe City)), plus 5 of the top 12 bronze awards and above won by producers in the prefecture
- 2nd Edition (February 2024)
Top gold award for "Amarin" (Producer: Ichikawa Strawberry Farm (Chichibu City)), plus 11 of the top 20 bronze awards and above won by producers in the prefecture
- 3rd Edition (February 2025)
Top gold award for "Amarin Extreme" (Producer: Kumehara Farm 8th Generation Kumehara Miyuki (Honjo City)), plus 8 of the top 16 bronze awards and above won by producers in the prefecture
●Christmas Strawberry Championship
- 1st Edition (December 2023)
Top gold award for "Benitama" (Producer: Kitagawabe Strawberry Division (Kazo City)), plus 3 of the top 7 bronze awards and above won by producers in the prefecture
- 2nd Edition (December 2024)
Top gold award for "Benitama -X-" (Producer: Kumehara Farm 8th Generation Miyuki (Honjo City)), plus 9 of the top 14 bronze awards and above won by producers in the prefecture
- 3rd Edition (December 2025)
Top gold award for "Benitama X" (Producer: Kumehara Farm 8th Generation Kumehara Miyuki (Honjo City)), plus 6 of the top 16 bronze awards and above won by producers in the prefecture
2. Japan's Most Delicious Saitama Strawberry Season Has Arrived: Saitama Strawberry Tour
Saitama Prefecture will hold the following events to widely promote the appeal of Saitama strawberries, including the prefecture's original varieties, both inside and outside the prefecture.
Additionally, starting today, a banner promoting "The Only One in Japan! Premium Strawberry Prefecture Saitama" will be displayed on the east wall of the prefectural government main building.
- Saitama Strawberry Sweets Fair
Schedule: January to March 2026
Locations: Department stores, hotels, Japanese and Western confectionery shops in Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture
Details: Collaboration with famous department stores, hotels, and confectionery shops in Tokyo and the prefecture to sell elaborate Saitama strawberry sweets at each store
- Saitama Strawberry Festival
Schedule: February 21 (Saturday) and 22 (Sunday), 2026
Location: Saitama Stadium 2002 South Plaza / Pedestrian Path Adjacent to Urawa-Misono Station
Details: Sales of Saitama-grown strawberries including "Amarin" and sweets by producers from throughout the prefecture, and more
▼Visit the special website here
https://www.tabechoku.com/ulp/saitama-strawberry2026
3. About Strawberry Picking Farms
The prefectural portal site "Green Tourism Saitama" introduces about 100 strawberry picking farms.
Please check the farm opening status in advance and enjoy strawberry picking.
https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/greentourism/enjoy/taiken/ichigo.html
