The Sweet Reward of Spring Awaits at Shinjuku's Strawberry Festival Featuring Tochiai-ka

Experience the Sweetest Spring Reward at Shinjuku's Strawberry Festival

From January 15 to February 19, 2026, Shinjuku will transform into a haven for strawberry lovers with the much-anticipated "Tochiai-ka Strawberry Festival: Sweet and Cute Spring Rewards!" This collaborative event, organized by Lumine Corporation in partnership with Tochigi Prefecture, showcases the delightful Tochiai-ka strawberries across 44 shopping establishments in the Shinjuku area, featuring a total of 56 unique dishes. This is being touted as the largest strawberry festival in the region to date, promising a seasonal experience packed with flavor and fun.

Celebrate Strawberry Day with a Delightful Array of Dishes!

January 15 marks "Strawberry Day" in Japan, and what better way to celebrate than with an impressive lineup of strawberry-infused dishes? The festival features the spotlight on Tochiai-ka, a uniquely sweet and juicy strawberry variety that boasts a charming heart shape when sliced in half. Visitors can indulge in a diverse assortment of dishes, ranging from decadent sweets and refreshing salads, to inventive drinks and delightful breads, each highlighting this delicious strawberry.

Exciting and Interactive Culinary Experiences

Not only will guests enjoy delectable food, but they'll also have the chance to participate in interactive culinary experiences. For instance, you can enjoy a do-it-yourself pancake decoration, where you create your own beautiful strawberry pancake dish! Such engaging menu options allow visitors to enjoy both the taste and the vibrant visual appeal of strawberry-themed culinary creations.

Menu Highlights

Some must-try items featured at the festival include:

- Berry Strawberry Pancakes from Sarabeth's: Fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry sauce, served with light Greek yogurt whipped cream – a delightful treat for strawberry enthusiasts.
- Mil-Crepes with Tochiai-ka at Afternoon Tea: Layered with diplomat cream and chewy crepes, this dessert highlights that fruity freshness and offers a sweet indulgence.
- Tochiai-ka Tart from Handbakes: A crispy tart crust filled with rich custard cream and a generous topping of Tochiai-ka strawberries.
- Tochiai-ka & Mascarpone from Richu Hamada: A fluffy brioche cake topped with homemade custard and mascarpone cream adorned with Tochiai-ka strawberries - a limited edition treat not to be missed.

Visit the Festival at Multiple Locations

The festival takes place at:

- Lumine Shinjuku
- Eato Lumine Shinjuku
- Lumine Est Shinjuku
- Newoman Shinjuku

Each location features its own delightful specialties utilizing Tochiai-ka. For instance, you can enjoy a Tochiai-ka ruidhos tea soda at uRn.chAi&TeA, or try a Tochiai-ka and shrimp spicy spring roll salad at Bangkok Yatai Khaosan. The variety of dishes available ensures that every visitor will find something they love!

Discovering Tochigi's Strawberry Royalty

Tochigi Prefecture has long been recognized as the leading producer of strawberries in Japan, holding the national record for 56 years. The region's favorable climate and proximity to major markets have established it as the "Strawberry Kingdom". Among its ranks is the beloved Tochiai-ka, developed in 2018, characterized by its large size and intense sweetness, ideally suited for both solo snacking and as a featured ingredient in desserts. Each bite of Tochiai-ka is a celebration of flavor, designed to bring joy and happiness to any gathering.

Don’t Miss Out!

Consider visiting Lumine Shinjuku, Eato Lumine Shinjuku, Lumine Est Shinjuku, or Newoman Shinjuku during the festival period. It's a perfect opportunity for friends and family to enjoy seasonal shopping and the deliciousness of Tochiai-ka strawberries.

For more details, check out the official websites:

Indulge in sweet moments and create lasting memories with delectable foods at Shinjuku's Strawberry Festival!