Tokyo Skytree Town is holding the “Tokyo Skytree Town Strawberry Fair” until March 1, with a record number of about 90 stores participating. In addition to selling sweets and goods using the season’s strawberries, this year, for the first time, the stores will hold a variety of events for visitors to participate in, such as an “all-you-can-stuff three brands of strawberries” at an unbeatable price, and a “domestic strawberry eating contest” where the winner will be presented with a present. The winner will also receive a gift. According to Akiko Harashima of the Tokyo Skytree Town Public Relations Office, each store has been offering strawberry fair menus during the winter season, but “with the popularity of strawberries increasing year by year, we wanted to offer more hands-on and participatory events for customers to enjoy, so we introduced new events and increased the scale and content. We have increased the scale and content of the events. The all-you-can-stuff and quick-eating competition will be held for three days only on January 16, 17, and 18, so we went to see how the first day of the event went.
All-you-can-stuff three brands of strawberries “Strawberry Buffet” One of the highlights of the event is the all-you-can-stuff strawberries by Sawako Seikatsu, which has a store in Solamachi. For 1,500 yen, visitors can choose as many as they like from three different brands of strawberries (and large ones at that): “Benihoppe” from Shizuoka Prefecture, “Yayoi Hime” from Gunma Prefecture, and “Tochiaika” from Tochigi Prefecture. Normally, a pack of 250 g of brand-name strawberries costs around 1,000 yen at supermarkets, or nearly 2,000 yen depending on the season and the variety, but since you can pack 600 g to 800 g (about the equivalent of three standard packs), it is by far the best value for money. The strawberries available in the market now are called “second best” and are said to be “most delicious at this time of the year. The strawberries that are available at Christmas and New Year’s are the “first fruits” (planted in early summer and harvested around November), while the second fruits (planted in mid-summer and harvested in January or later) peak around December 20, when they are sweeter and softer in texture. The second planting (planted in mid-summer and harvested in January or later) peaks around December 20, when they are sweeter and more tender. Rie Morita of Sawamitsu Fruits and Vegetables’ Sales Division says, “This is our first attempt. It is true that this is an unprofitable and price-conscious event, but we planned it so that people can enjoy strawberries at a reasonable price, which are at a premium during Christmas and New Year’s. There are many different types of domestic strawberries. There are various kinds of domestic strawberries. We hope that this event will help people learn about the differences in sweetness and texture, and find their favorite “Recommended Strawberry”. The event will be held from January 16 to 18 (10:00 to 18:00 each day) at a special venue at Food Marche on the 2nd floor of Tokyo Solamachi West Yard. The cost is 1,500 yen per visit (a pack of strawberries will be placed in a bag at the time of checkout).
Mogumogu☆Strawberry Challenge” is another first-time event. Four participants compete to see how fast they can finish 15 Japanese strawberries within a time limit of 2 minutes. This is a “relaxed competition” open to everyone from adults to children. The winner will receive a bag of original goods from Tokyo Skytree Town, including a notebook and a pen. In the memorable first game, Mr. Kokubun, a male resident of Saitama Prefecture, was the only one to finish his meal and win. Despite his tough-looking face, he said, “Strawberries in season are sweet and sour and delicious after all! I didn’t think I could finish it, but it wasn’t painful at all, and I was able to eat it in one bite. Participation fee was 500 yen per person. The next event will be held on January 17 and 18 at the Tokyo Solamachi West Yard. The next event will be held on January 17 and 18, with three sessions each day (from 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00). Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but those who wish to participate should arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the event date.
© Source travel watch