Tone-Numata's sweet and tart history with apples.

Feel the stories whispered by the apple trees.

Apple cultivation in the Tone-Numata region is believed to have started in the early 1900s. The first orchards were established in relatively high-altitude areas with significant temperature differences between day and night. The cool climate proved ideal for apple growth, particularly for developing high sugar content, resulting in high-quality apples that quickly gained a reputation. This led to a gradual increase in the number of apple-growing farms.

It is thought that the varieties initially cultivated were mainly traditional Japanese varieties such as 'Kinsei（金星）' and 'Tsugaru（つがる）'.

Apple cultivation in the Tone-Numata region truly flourished during the post-war period of rapid economic growth in Japan, replacing industries like silkworm farming. This period saw advancements in agricultural techniques and varietal improvement, leading to the introduction of a wider range of apple varieties. In particular, the cultivation of new varieties like 'Fuji（ふじ）' expanded, laying the foundation for the apple orchards in the Tone-Numata region today.

The 'Fuji' apple, which appeared in the 1960s, is characterized by its exceptional sweetness and crisp texture, making it a commercially successful variety. Its cultivation spread rapidly in the Tone-Numata region, and it remains the most dominant variety even now.

The scale of apple orchards in the Tone-Numata region expanded, with more farmers engaging in apple cultivation. This era saw the introduction of agricultural machinery, improvements in cultivation techniques, and advancements in post-harvest preservation and shipping methods.

Local farmers made efforts to achieve sustainable agriculture, accumulating expertise to ensure the stable production of high-quality apples.

With the flourishing tourism industry in the Tone-Numata region, apple orchards have become valuable tourist attractions. Apple picking, in particular, has gained popularity as a local tourist activity, leading to an increase in farms offering agricultural experiences. Apple picking has become a regional specialty, especially for families and group tourists, playing a significant role in the tourism industry.

Furthermore, local farmers have established direct sales outlets to sell freshly harvested apples, providing both tourists and local residents with access to high-quality fruit. These outlets have become important venues for obtaining fresh apples.

Today, apple orchards in the Tone-Numata region play a vital role in both agriculture and tourism. Local farmers continue to strive for brand establishment while focusing on quality improvement, variety development, and environmental conservation. While many orchards are managed by second or third-generation farmers who inherited the family business, a distinctive feature of this region is the operation of tourism-oriented orchards, taking advantage of the proximity to the Tokyo metropolitan area.

As a result, Gunma apples are primarily sold through direct sales at orchards, roadside stands, and home delivery services, allowing consumers to enjoy "tree-ripened" apples. "Tree-ripening" refers to the practice of leaving apples on the tree to fully ripen before harvesting.

From the early-season 'Ozeno Akari（おぜの紅）' to the mid-season 'Akagi（あかぎ）', 'Benizuru（紅鶴）', and 'Yoko（陽光）', and finally to the late-season 'Shinsekai（新世界）', 'Slim Red（スリムレッド）', and 'Gunma Meigetsu（ぐんま名月）', a relay sale of apples, all of which are varieties developed in Gunma Prefecture, is possible.