Fruit hunting experience: MIGITA KAJITSUEN(persimmon)
Approaching Migita Kajitsuen, I noticed a sign for the orchard with a persimmon logo in Thai language, so I knew I was headed to a spot that must be frequented by Thai tourists. How exotic for a small Japanese orchard. Surely, it must be quite special for them to come all the way out here to this very local spot. The whole area around Tanushimaru is a fruit-pickers paradise depending on the season. When I arrived at the orchard, I could understand what the big deal was. The mountain in the background was breathtaking, and though not far from Kurume City, the orchard was set in beautiful nature. There were no Japanese tourists at that time, and the staff was happily attending to the small groups of Cantonese and English-speaking Hong Kong guests that had made the journey by rental car. No Thais, however. This is clearly a known destination for tourists from around Asia, and I was surprised to learn that it had been popular with visitors from abroad for about 5 years.
It was apparent that the owners had a clear vision for Migita Kajitsuen and that all the banners and pamphlets and signage were based on the “kaki”, persimmon, using its image, shape, and color. Really simple and strangely reassuring. I was impressed with the simplicity and clarity of the branding of this garden. It transcended the need for words, but they had gone to the trouble of creating brochures in perfect English for English-speaking visitors.
