Rock Bay Garden operates on a unique pay-by-weight system rather than the traditional all-you-can-eat model. Strawberries are priced at 500 yen per 100 grams, and there is no entrance fee or time limit. This means you can pick as few as one strawberry or as many as you like, paying only for what you harvest. This system allows families to enjoy the experience at their own pace without feeling rushed.
The greenhouse cultivates approximately 20,000 strawberry plants across five varieties, including Benihoppe, Yotsuboshi, Akihime, Moikko, and Hoshi no Kirameki (also known as Mioshizuku, a Shiga Prefecture specialty). This variety selection allows visitors to compare different flavors and textures during their picking experience.
The strawberry farm operates from 10:00 to 15:30 for daytime picking (last entry at 15:00), and from 18:00 to 20:00 for nighttime picking (last entry at 19:30). The facility closes on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), and December 31 through January 2, though it operates continuously during July and August. It's recommended to call 080-1487-5996 before visiting to confirm strawberry availability, as daily acceptance numbers vary based on growing conditions.
Yes, the facility is designed with accessibility in mind. The strawberries are grown on elevated platforms, allowing visitors to pick while standing, which eliminates the need for bending down and keeps clothing clean from soil. This makes the experience comfortable for elderly visitors, pregnant women, and families with small children. The facility also features other family-friendly amenities including outdoor equipment shops and dining options.
Beyond strawberry picking, the complex includes multiple attractions. CAFE ROB serves Taiwanese-style pancakes, while the restaurant specializes in locally-raised Omi beef dishes. The site offers Kusatsu City's first nighttime strawberry picking experience and features a BBQ area with the NIGHT FIVE program from March through November. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit 7th9LODGE for camping equipment and Fish! Tackle Shop for fishing gear tailored to Lake Biwa angling. The adjacent Roadside Station Kusatsu offers fresh local vegetables, Omi beef, Omi rice, and regional souvenirs, making it a comprehensive destination for visitors.
We went strawberry picking.
It was in a greenhouse, so it didn't matter if it was cold outside. The three types of strawberries were clearly labeled, and we splurged and picked only Mioshizuku strawberries.
They were a little pricey, but they were really fresh, sweet, and delicious.
They were softer than store-bought ones, and some even got dented after just a little while. They didn't seem to last very long, so it seemed best to eat them all on the day you picked them.
The only thing that was a little disappointing was that the animals that used to be there were gone. Maybe they were somewhere else and we just couldn't find them.
My kids had a great time, so I'd like to go strawberry picking again.
The newly renovated Rock Bay Garden.
We went strawberry picking and lunch in April 2023.
It's certainly beautiful, but it's still a work in progress.
Strawberry picking costs 2,000 yen, with small strawberries packed into a given bag. They sell them by weight for 500 yen per 100g. It's probably not for people who want to eat a lot without worrying about the price.
It's a good deal for people who just want to pick and eat about 10 strawberries!
The lunch staff were probably still in training, as they didn't notice us even after calling three times...
The prices seemed a bit high, too.
There was a reservation sign for a corner seat with a great view. As we were discussing whether we could reserve a seat, we were surprised to hear someone from the store start having some kind of meeting. 🫢
We're looking forward to seeing what happens next.
The facility is clean and the service is not bad, but some people may find it tedious to order by scanning a QR code on their smartphone, which is common these days. The soba noodles seemed pre-made, but the tempura was quite tasty.
