Ride the “Asuka Ichigo Train” and “Asuka Ichigo Bus”
Travel to Asuka Village in style with specially decorated transportation. The Kintetsu “Asuka Ichigo Train” will run on the Minami Osaka Line and Yoshino Line, featuring strawberry-themed headmarks, window stickers, and interior decorations with faux strawberries and children’s artwork.
“Imagine stepping onto a train adorned with cheerful strawberry motifs, heading towards a village where the air is sweet with the scent of fresh fruit—it’s an experience designed to delight all the senses, promising a truly memorable escape.”
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Asuka Ichigo Train:
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Period: January 31, 2026 (Sat) – March 8, 2026 (Sun)
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Route: Osaka Abenobashi Station – (Asuka Station) – Yoshino Station
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Details: Headmarks, strawberry stickers on windows, faux strawberry decorations, children’s strawberry artwork display.
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Similarly, the Nara Kotsu “Asuka Ichigo Bus” will operate within Asuka Village, adorned with a special “strawberry mask” on its front. This convenient “Kame Bus” circles the village, connecting key spots like Asuka Station and Kashiharajingu-mae Station.
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Asuka Ichigo Bus:
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Period: January 31, 2026 (Sat) – March 8, 2026 (Sun) (Random operation during this period)
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Route: Kashiharajingu-mae Station East Exit – Ishibutai – Asuka Station (“Akakame” Loop Bus)
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Details: Buses will run with a “strawberry mask” decoration.
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Inquiries: Nara Kotsu Co., Ltd. 0742-20-3100 (Bus fares and schedules)
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Indulge in the Asuka Strawberry Fair 2026
The “Asuka Strawberry Fair 2026” brings together 23 local restaurants and businesses to offer limited-time strawberry menus. Visitors can enjoy a digital stamp rally with prizes and participate in an Instagram campaign to receive original stickers by posting with specific hashtags. The fair also includes a collaboration with JR Tokai for special “Strawberry Tickets” and participation in the Asuka Half Marathon 2026 on March 8, 2026.
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Period: January 31, 2026 (Sat) – March 8, 2026 (Sun)
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Location: 23 participating eateries in Asuka Village and surrounding areas.
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Highlights: Limited-time strawberry menus, digital stamp rally, Instagram campaign.
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Official Website: https://asukastrawberry.wordpress.com/
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Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/asuka.strawberry/
Experience Freshness at Asuka Strawberry Picking Park
Enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat “Asuka Ruby” strawberries at 17 farms throughout the village. These farms utilize elevated hydroponic cultivation in greenhouses, allowing for easy picking regardless of weather. The sweet and tangy balance of “Asuka Ruby” promises a delightful experience.
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Opening Dates:
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January 10, 2026 (Sat) – February 3, 2026 (Tue): Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
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February 4, 2026 (Wed) – May 31, 2026 (Sun): Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
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Spring Break (March 23, 2026 – April 3, 2026): Open daily.
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Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 (Last entry 15:30), 30 minutes all-you-can-eat.
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Location: 17 strawberry farms in the village (assigned upon reservation).
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Reservations: Required (via website or phone).
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Website: https://www.asukadeasobo.jp/experience/asukaichigo/
Direct Sales of Fresh Strawberries and Soft Cream
Local direct sales offices in Asuka Village, known for its beautiful nature, offer freshly harvested produce. From December, direct-from-producer “raw strawberries” are available. The “Strawberry Soft Cream” at “Asuka Yume Hanbaisho” at Roadside Station Asuka is particularly lauded as an exquisite treat.
- Website: https://asukamura.com/ichigo/shop/
“Asuka Ruby” Dessert Fair at Cafe & Books Bibliotheque
For those unable to visit Asuka Village, Cafe & Books Bibliotheque, with five locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto, will once again host a special “Strawberry Dessert Fair.” This event, running from January 15, 2026, to March 31, 2026, showcases a variety of simple yet delicious strawberry sweets that highlight the charm of the “Asuka Ruby” strawberry, bringing the taste of Asuka to urban centers.
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Period: January 15, 2026 (Thu) – March 31, 2026 (Tue)
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Locations: Cafe & Books Bibliotheque (Yurakucho, Kichijoji, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kumamoto) Menu varies by store.
- Website: https://www.bibliotheque.ne.jp/
This comprehensive “Asuka Strawberry Campaign” not only celebrates the village’s agricultural bounty but also actively promotes Asuka as a vibrant tourist destination, offering a sweet escape for everyone. The initiatives highlight how local communities in Japan innovate to share their unique flavors and cultural experiences with a wider audience, promising a future where regional delights are more accessible and celebrated globally.
