About
Van Sickel Farm Tsukuba is a small berry farm in Tsukuba, Ibaraki. (We are also known as “トムのブルーベリー”)
Since 2017, we have been growing blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with the goal of having mineral balanced soil.
Our desire is to foster healthy soil and crops by supplementing minerals lacking in the soil and trusting in the power of our soil’s microorganisms. To protect our soil, trees, fruit and microbes we do not use pesticides or herbicides.
It takes time and effort to conduct annual soil tests and care for the soil and trees according to their condition. However, the taste is exceptionally delicious and our berries are safe to eat on the spot. We sincerely look forward to seeing you and your family on the farm.
Friendly farmers,
Tom & Ai
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Psalm 37:3
主に信頼して善を行え。地に住み、誠実を養え。
詩篇 37:3
Products
Grace of sun and rain, blueberries are in season from June to August, while blackberries and raspberries are in season from July to August.
We grow 1,000 blueberry trees of about 50 varieties. Through mineral cultivation, the blueberries are grown in good health, are often large, and have a strong flavor.
Depending on the variety, some ripen in June, while others begin to ripen around mid-July, each with a completely different texture and flavor. We hope you will experience the change in flavor as well.
During the season, berries are picked in the morning, sorted, and carefully packed for sale. We also offer frozen berries and products with plenty of our berries that you can get all year round. Our berries and products will be perfect gifts for your precious person.
Our products are available online, at our farm store, and at farming events. Please visit our Instagram and Facebook pages for information on our hours of operation and events.
Berry Picking
We operate a You Pick farm from June to August. You can taste freshly picked berries to your heart's content while listening to the singing of birds.
Of course, you can take them home too (the berries, not the birds). Freeze the berries, make jam or smoothies, cakes and muffins! Perfect for a summer desert!
From the blueberry fields, you can see Mt. Tsukuba, the symbol of Tsukuba City, and our farm logo.
A small wooden boathouse is a landmark of our farm. There are handmade benches, a cozy rest area, and a tiny herb garden.
We hope you and your family will find refreshment in both body and spirit while on the farm.
2024 Opening Days
>>See you next season! :)
Saturday, June 1 - early August *Depending on berries conditions
9:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:00)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Reservations are not required on weekdays, but are required on weekends and holidays. Same-day appointments are also available.
Admission Fee
There is no time limit. Enjoy yourself until satisfied!
over 13 years old
1,300yen
kids age 6-12
1,000yen
kids age 4-5
500yen
kids age 3 and below
Free
Take home fee
100g/270yen
■Recommended clothing
The farm gets very hot during the day. Please take care of yourself and don't forget to bring a hat, towel, and cold drink. Long sleeves, long pants, and shoes are recommended if you don't like bugs;)
If it rains, boots are best!
■Recommended items
Berries are delicate. Cooler boxes, cooler bags, and refrigerants are recommended when bringing them home.
*Refrigerants are not available for purchase at the farm.
■Toilets
There is one portable toilet for unisex use. Please take off your shoes when using it.
■Parking
We have about 10-12 parking spaces on the farm so when possible please consider carpooling.
Access & Contact
VAN SICKEL FARM TSUKUBA - ヴァンシィケルファームつくば -
Ozone Aza Kashima 2549-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-3253
〒300-3253 茨城県つくば市大曽根字鹿島2549-1
Irregular holidays
(Please check our Instagram and Facebook for the latest information)
Tel 080-3523-2007 （Open time : 10am-4pm）
We have about 10-12 parking spaces in the wood chips area.
[By car] About 20 minutes from the Tsuchiura Kita IC on the Joban Expressway. If you use a car navigation system, please use “2526-2 Ohsone, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Tamatori Community Center)” as a landmark. Our farm is located directly across the street from the center.
[By public transportation] Take the bus bound for Tsukuba-san-guchi on the Hokubu Shuttle from TX Tsukuba Station (Tsukuba Center) and get off at the “Ichinoya-Kosaten” stop, which is about a 20-minute walk.
