In winter, strawberry-filled desserts are everywhere, with local bakeries, convenience stores, and luxury hotels offering a range of irresistible sweet creations. Unlike many other countries, strawberry season in Japan begins as early as December, mainly because of the demand for Christmas cakes. This early harvest is made possible by favorable natural conditions and advanced farming techniques, with most farmers relying on greenhouses to precisely control temperature. This in turn produces berries that are exceptionally sweet and succulent.

Event Overview

Event Period: February 5, 2026 – March 1. 2026

Opening Time: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last Admission: 17:45)

Admission Fee: 500 yen

Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Square (10 minutes from Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line)

Highlights of the Yokohama Strawberry Event

  • A Record 46 Stores Participating

This year marks the largest lineup since 2013, with 46 stores bringing an array of strawberry-themed sweets, drinks, and exclusive merchandise.

  • Special Collaboration with the National Strawberry Conference

Visitors can enjoy a curated selection of  premium strawberries from some of Japan’s top-producing prefectures, including Tochigi, Ibaraki, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. During this limited three-day collaboration (February 21-23), guests can purchase and sample original strawberry varieties unique to each participating prefecture. The venue will host direct sales and complimentary tastings. Adding to the festive spirit, Tochimaru-kun, Tochigi’s beloved mascot will make daily appearances throughout the collaboration period.

  • Fun Hands-On Workshops

Workshops include candle-making and food replica crafting activities, suitable for both  kids and adults.

  • Create Your Own Crepe Experience

At Tabisuru Ichigo no Kurepeya (Traveling Strawberry Creperie), guests can customize their own crepe by selecting up to three strawberry varieties, along with their preferred  creams, sauces, ice cream, and toppings.

  • Yokohama Ichigo Trip Stamp Rally

Eventgoers can join the stamp rally by picking up the Strawberry Festival 2026 Journal Note, available free of charge. By collecting one stamp from each of the four designated categories (A-D), participants can complete the rally while exploring some of Yokohama’s popular spots. The prize, an event-exclusive notebook, can be claimed at the festival’s information booth.

A: Yokohama Strawberry Festival 2026 Information Booth

B: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Building #1 (1F) – in front of the B-SIDE LABEL

C: Yokohama World Porters (2F) – near the information counter

Yokohama Hammerhead (2F) – in front of AINZ&TULPE

D: MARK IS Minatomirai (4F) – south elevator

Colette Mare (5F) – STORY STORY YOKOHAMA – near the café entrance

Yokohama Marine Tower (2F) – Community Lounge

Spending a Day at the Strawberry Festival

I attended the festival on Wednesday, February 18. When I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the giant strawberry installation—a popular spot where visitors posed with their sweet treats in hand. Just outside the main entrance, several food trucks served strawberry-inspired bites like heart-shaped churros topped with fresh strawberries and strawberry and chocolate pizza. Best of all, they could be purchased without paying the entrance fee.

Eventually, I got my ticket and entered the venue. I was greeted by the sweet aroma of strawberries and rows of shops displaying their delectable creations. Everything was Instagram-worthy and too cute to eat. I decided to explore all the stalls before buying anything. The first treat I tried was Puella’s strawberry shortcake. The sweetness was perfectly balanced, and all the elements—the sponge cake, cream, jam, and strawberries—worked harmoniously together. After the last bite, I found myself craving for more.

Strawberry shortcake topped with fresh strawberries and a bear-shaped cookie at the Yokohama Strawberry Festival.
Puella’s Strawberry Shortcake

 

Trying a white strawberry was high on my list so when I spotted Butter x Roasted COFFEE LABORATORY selling brioche donuts topped with Awayuki strawberries, I immediately made my way to the counter. Awayuki is a rare white variety from Kumamoto known for its delicate texture, low acidity, and subtle sweetness.

Brioche donut glazed in strawberry icing and topped with rare white Awayuki strawberry at the festival.
Butter x Roasted COFFEE LABORATORY’s Brioche Donut Awayuki.

 

Next, I visited Kyoto Fruits Daifuku Kajuan, a shop specializing in ichigo daifuku. They offered a wide range of strawberry varieties, from Amaou to Sachinoka. In the end, I chose Tochiaika, a cultivar from Tochigi known for its heart-shaped center, firm texture, and rich flavor. The moment I took a bite, I was blown away by its bold sweetness. It was so delightful that it could stand on its own, sans the mochi.

Ichigo daifuku cut in half showing a juicy Japanese strawberry inside soft mochi.

To wrap up my food adventure, I treated myself to a strawberry milk drink that came in an adorable strawberry-shaped container—a great take-home souvenir.

Strawberry milk drink served in a reusable strawberry-shaped bottle with a striped straw.

Before leaving, I stopped by Sylvanian Forest Kitchen to browse their merchandise. They offered a variety of Sylvanian goods like toys and keychains as well as drinks and parfaits. There was even a photo spot that featured life-sized Sylvanian characters.

Sylvanian Families characters dressed in strawberry-themed outfits at the Yokohama Strawberry Festival.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience. More than just a celebration of sweets, the festival provided an opportunity to discover different strawberry cultivars and learn about their unique origins and flavor profiles. I definitely recommend it to anyone who love desserts and strawberries.

Fun Facts About Japanese Strawberries

  • Tochigi Prefecture has been Japan’s leading strawberry producer for over 50 years, earning the nickname “Strawberry Kingdom”. The region is known for cultivating famous varieties such as Tochiotome, Skyberry, and Tochiaika. It is also home to Japan’s only strawberry research institute, established to develop new varieties and refine farming techniques.
  • Meanwhile, Fukuoka Prefecture is famous for producing the sweetest strawberries, particularly the premium Amaou The name stands for akai (red), marui (round), okii (large), and umai (tasty). It is considered the “king” of strawberries for its immense size and high sugar content.
  • Japan grows strawberries in several colors—not just the classic red. These include deep red (the most common variety), pink or pale red (prized for their delicate appearance and mild flavor), and white (regarded as “luxury” fruit and are often sold as high-end gifts).
  • With more than 300 varieties, the country is believed to grow over half of the world’s strawberry cultivars.

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