#Japan #Tokyo #Strawberry #Korilakkuma #Tochiaika

Experience the Joy of Tochigi's Strawberry 'Tochiaika' at a Special Event!

On February 11, 2026, an exciting event will take place at Tokyo Skytree Town's Solamachi Hiroba, where visitors can savor the delightful flavors of Tochigi Prefecture's own strawberry, 'Tochiaika'. This unique strawberry variety is renowned for its large size, low acidity, and striking sweetness, making it a beloved local delicacy.

The event, titled "Free Distribution of 'Tochiaika'! Delivering Love with the Tochiai Car in Solamachi Hiroba," invites all strawberry lovers to come and enjoy complimentary tastings. This year, attendees will also be greeted by Korilakkuma, the mascot who has served as the Strawberry Ambassador for Tochigi for ten consecutive years. Participants can indulge in the festival atmosphere and take home the joy and sweetness of local strawberries.

Event Highlights

In addition to the free tasting sessions, which will be available from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the venue will offer a number of engaging activities:

• - Free Strawberry Samples: The 'Tochiaika' strawberries will be distributed in sets throughout the day, first come, first served. Each session will last for an hour and a half, contingent on availability.
• - Korilakkuma Appearance: The beloved character will make appearances at specific times, engaging participants in quizzes about the 'Tochiaika' strawberries and promoting the delightful tastes of Tochigi.
• - Photo Opportunities: A large photo wall featuring Korilakkuma and information about 'Tochiaika' will be set up at the event location, making it easy for visitors to capture the fun moments.
• - Ichigo Gacha: Guests who participate in a simple questionnaire can try their luck at a gacha machine for a chance to win fun strawberry-themed prizes.

Collaborations with Cafés

From February 14 to March 8, 2026, several cafés in Tochigi, Saitama, and Kanagawa will introduce exclusive menus featuring 'Tochiaika' strawberries. Each café will offer at least two unique items that showcase the essence of this delicious fruit. For instance:

• - MATSUGAMINE COFFEE: Known for its fluffy pancakes topped with 'Tochiaika' and a specially made cream that adds a layer of richness to the delight.
• - ISLAND STONE COFFEE: Will serve a 'Tochiaika Parfait' layered with various flavors—from raspberry to mint—to perfectly complement the strawberries.
• - Kita-Guni to Milk: Known for their decadent soft-serve parfait featuring the creamy taste of Hokkaido milk alongside 'Tochiaika'.
• - Porcellino: A restaurant introducing a luxurious 'Tochiaika Mont Blanc', blending rich cream with the sweetness of the strawberries for a delightful dessert experience.

Special Love Campaign

To celebrate the Valentine's Day season, the "Tochigi Strawberry Love Campaign" will coincide with the event beginning February 14, 2026. Customers who purchase 'Tochiaika', 'Tochiotome', or 'Skyberry' strawberries or the special café collaborations can enter for a chance to win luxurious prizes ranging from hair dryers to delicious Tochigi Wagyu steak! Participants need to snap a photo of their receipts and follow the campaign instructions via LINE to enter.

Showcase of 'Tochiaika'

The 'Tochiaika' strawberry, developed in 2018, is characterized by its vibrant sweetness and heart-shaped cross-section when sliced. It represents a blend of joy and beauty, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Visitors attending the event will also encounter 'Tochiaika' sampling days at the Nasu Animal Kingdom later in March, broadening the opportunity for strawberry lovers to indulge.


dFor further details, please visit the official Tochigi Agricultural Cooperative page. Don't miss out on this celebration of love and flavor and bring home some of the best strawberries Tochigi has to offer!