Miki Town: Strawberry Farming and a University Town on the Sanuki Plain

Miki Town in Kita District, Kagawa Prefecture, is a town with thriving agriculture that makes use of the warm climate of the Sanuki Plain. Strawberry cultivation in particular is one of the prefecture's leading areas, and in spring (January to May) strawberry-picking farms draw many families. Located just east of Takamatsu City, it is also known as a university town, home to the medicine and agriculture faculties of Kagawa University, an appealing area where youthful energy and rural calm coexist.

Highlights: How to Enjoy Strawberry Picking

At Miki Town's strawberry farms you can enjoy picking and eating freshly harvested strawberries on the spot inside greenhouses. Main varieties include Kagawa's original Sanuki Hime, along with Sachinoka and Benihoppe. Many farms use elevated cultivation, so you can pick comfortably while standing. Freshly picked strawberries have exceptional sweetness and aroma, and the farms are relaxing even for families with small children. All-you-can-eat time limits, prices, and whether you may bring your own condensed milk vary by farm, so it helps to check in advance.

Agricultural Experiences and Community Exchange

In addition to strawberry picking, experiential farming that lets you enjoy exchanges with local farmers is well developed. You can experience the appeal of agriculture while learning harvesting tips and cultivation know-how from strawberry growers. At direct-sales stands handling seasonal produce, you can buy strawberries and other fresh local vegetables and fruit, popular as souvenirs.

Seasonal Enjoyment

• January to May: strawberry-picking season, enjoyable from the start of January to around the Golden Week holidays in May.
• February to March, when sweetness increases, is especially recommended.
• Around Miki Town there are also parks and leisure spots, so families can enjoy a full day alongside strawberry picking. Combining it with an udon-shop tour in neighboring Takamatsu is also recommended.

Getting There & Basic Information

The nearest stations are Gakuen-dori and Kumonmyo on the Kotoden Nagao Line, about 20 minutes by car from central Takamatsu. Access by car is convenient, about 15 minutes from the Takamatsu-Chuo IC on the Takamatsu Expressway. Because the strawberry farms are scattered in the suburbs, traveling by car is convenient, though some farms can also be reached on foot or by bus from a station.

Practical Travel Notes

• Strawberry picking is popular, so advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Prices, time limits, varieties, and whether you may bring condensed milk differ by farm, so always check before visiting.
• Depending on how the strawberries are growing, the amount available to pick can change by season.
• Greenhouses are warm, so clothing that is easy to layer is comfortable.
• Direct-sales stand hours and stock vary, so check ahead if buying is your goal.
• Since farms are scattered in the suburbs, having a car makes it easier to visit several spots.

A Word of Advice

Miki Town's appeal lies in agricultural experiences such as strawberry picking. Because it is popular, reservations are reassuring, especially on weekends. Prices, times, and varieties differ by farm, so confirm before visiting. February to March, when sweetness peaks, is the sweet spot. Combine it with an udon-shop tour in neighboring Takamatsu to savor the bounty of the Sanuki Plain. (TabiTabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

Reservations, fees, varieties, and time limits for the strawberry-picking farms in Miki Town can be checked in each farm's official information and the tourism guidance of Miki Town and Kagawa Prefecture. It is also worth checking the opening days and stock of the farm stands. For access via the Kotoden Nagao Line and the Takamatsu Expressway, each operator's public information is helpful. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Strawberry picking takes about 30 minutes to an hour at one farm; add farm stands and nearby spots for a half-day outing.
• What to bring: Greenhouses are warm, so easy-to-adjust clothing is comfortable. Reservations are recommended in the popular season.
• Suggested route: Pick strawberries at your reserved farm, buy local produce at a farm stand, and combine with an udon-shop tour in neighboring Takamatsu for a full-day plan.
• Best timing: February and March, when the sweetness peaks, are the sweet spot.