Have you heard of 'Wassa,' the rare summer fruit originating from Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture?
Azusa Coffee (a subsidiary of Create Restaurants Holdings, operated by KR Food Service Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, President & CEO: Naoto Hamano), which operates 13 stores across Hyogo, Osaka, and Nara, will collaborate with Suzaka City—the birthplace of Wassa—to host the 'Shinshu Suzaka Wassa Festival' for two days only on July 28 (Tue) and 29 (Wed), 2026, at Mitsuibashi Shopping Park Lalaport Koshien (hereafter 'Lalaport Koshien').
The event will feature seasonal Wassa tastings and sales by Goto Farm in Shinshu Suzaka, a lucky draw game (Gachapon), and sales of Suzaka's famous grapes—perfect for family enjoyment.
This time, we're spotlighting 'Wassa,' the rare fruit originating from Suzaka, Nagano.
Take this opportunity to taste the seasonal 'Wassa,' whether you're already familiar with it or hearing about it for the first time!
What is Wassa?
Wassa from Goto Farm
A rare fruit available only in summer, born in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture.
A natural hybrid of peach and nectarine, it boasts vibrant orange flesh that catches the eye.
While its shape resembles a peach, its texture is uniquely crisp—'Crunch! Snap!'—distinct from the softness of regular peaches.
Its perfect balance of refreshing acidity and sweetness makes it an ideal treat for hot summer days.
Its season lasts only about one month, from late July to late August.
With limited production, it's a truly rare 'phantom summer fruit' that's hard to come by.
What is Suzaka City like?
Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, is a city of about 50,000 people located just east of Nagano City.
During the Edo period, it was a castle town, and prospered in the silk industry from the Meiji to early Showa era. Its historic 'storehouse district' still remains today.
Cherry blossoms at Ryūryō Park, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots
Ryūryō Park and Suzaka City Zoo
At Ryūryō Park, selected as one of 'Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,' around 600 cherry trees bloom annually from mid to late April.
The Suzaka City Zoo, famous for its 'capybara hot spring' in winter, is a popular destination for families.
Suzaka City is rich in parks, zoos, art museums, and museums, offering many attractions suitable for parents and children.
A Leading Fruit-Producing Region in Japan
Thanks to natural advantages such as large temperature differences and high sunshine rates, the fertile land produces a wide variety of agricultural products. In particular, fruits like grapes and peaches rank among the top producers in Japan, with fruit cultivation accounting for about 80% of the city's agricultural output—making it a true 'fruit kingdom.'
Numerous farms offer fruit-picking experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy the fun of harvesting, making it a popular activity for families with children.
Seasonal fruits harvested in Suzaka City
Highlights of This Event
1. Seasonal Wassa Tasting and Sales by Goto Farm, Shinshu Suzaka
We will offer tastings and sales of 'Wassa,' the miraculous fruit born from the natural union of peach and nectarine.
Available in sets of three for ¥580 (tax included) and up.
Freshly harvested Wassa will be delivered directly from the farm to you.
※ Tastings will end once supplies run out on both days.
2. Lucky Draw Event with Exciting Prizes!
A Gachapon lucky draw will be held for those who purchase Wassa or participate in our survey.
We've prepared many great prizes and look forward to welcoming you!
〇 Three-pack coffee ticket for Azusa Coffee Lalaport Koshien store
〇 Pancake free coupon
〇 Pancake half-price coupon and more
Event Overview
Event Name: Shinshu Suzaka Wassa Festival
Dates: July 28 (Tue) and 29 (Wed), 2026, 11:00–16:00
Location: 2F Park Walk Court, Lalaport Koshien
Address: 1-100 Koshien 8-chome, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture 663-8178
Admission: Free (※ Some sales areas are paid)
【About Azusa Coffee】
Store Overview
Store Name: Azusa Coffee
Locations: 6 stores in Hyogo, 4 in Osaka, 3 in Nara
Business Hours: Weekdays 8:00–21:00 (Last Order 20:30) / Weekends & Holidays 8:00–21:00 (Last Order 20:30)
※ Business hours differ at Nické Park Town Kakogawa, Lalaport Koshien, and Hankyu Sanbanchō stores.
◆ Official Azusa Coffee Website: https://azusacoffee.food-kr.com/
◆ Azusa Coffee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azusacoffee_official/
◆ Azusa Coffee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azusacoffee_official
Company Information & Contact
KR Food Service Co., Ltd.
Public Relations Contact: Shusuke Nagahama, Product Development Department
TEL: 06-6809-2143
Mail: [email protected]
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event