Japanese Fruit for All Seasons and Regions

Contrary to what you may believe based on viral videos and social media posts, $300 square watermelons, luxury white strawberries, and $400 Japanese musk melons, are not the norm in Japan. These premium fruits do exist and have a unique culture surrounding them, but people in Japan eat fruit every day (and don’t have to take out a monthly loan just to do so.)

It is true that on average, fruit in Japan is more expensive than what you might find at your local supermarket in other parts of the world. It isn’t without good reason though! With much of the country being mountainous terrain, fruit is difficult to grow in Japan. Japanese farmers follow the seasons and put an admirable amount of care and attention into their produce. They want their products to not only taste good but to look good too! As such, fruits are generally considered more of a treat than a regular, cheap snack. This is why people are willing to pay a little extra for an extra special fruit. This is also why fruit is such a go-to gift in Japan and the reason that some fruits have such high-end price tags.

As with much of Japanese food culture, the country’s diverse geography has shaped regional specialties even when it comes to fruit. Each season, people around Japan look forward to the special fruits these areas produce. Let’s take a look at popular fruits in Japan and the places famous for cultivating them:

Apples

Available year-round, apples in Japan are grown mostly between October and November. There is an amazing variety of apples in Japan, though the Fuji and Sun Fuji are considered the most popular. When discussing Japanese apples, you are probably talking about Aomori apples. With a unique environment yielding cold nights and sunny days, it’s no wonder that Aomori’s apples have been regarded as the best in Japan for over 100 years!

Grapes

A staggering 50+ varieties of grapes are grown in Japan, including the prized sweet Muscat of Alexandria and massive Kyoho grapes. They’re an iconic fall treat and are famously grown in Okayama, Yamanashi, and Yamagata. 

Mikan

Prized as a winter treat, mikan are arguably Japan’s favorite citrus fruit. They are available mainly from September to February and are mostly grown in Ehime and Wakayama prefectures, with the Unshu mikan from Ehime and the Arita Mikan from Wakyama being the most popular.

Persimmons

An autumn favorite, persimmons are in season from September to December, primarily in Wakayama, Nara, and Fukuoka. There are three popular varieties: the Fuyuu kaki, seedless Hiratanenashi-gaki, and Tonewase kaki. They're delicious, fresh and dried!

Strawberries

Famous for their large size and intense aroma, Japanese strawberries are harvested from December to May. Strawberries from Tochigi, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto are thought to be the best, with the super sweet Tochiotome coming from Tochigi and the light pink Awayuki from Kumamoto.

Cherries

Enjoyed throughout the summer, cherries are picked from May to July in Japan, with the most being produced in Yamagata. Renowned for their tangy-sweet flavor and bright, shiny appearance, Satou Nishiki and Beni Shuho are the most sought-after varieties.

Japanese Muskmelons

Encompassing a wide variety of melons, the muskmelon (called hami in Japanese) is enjoyed year-round in Japan. Hami can be produced with orange, green, or white pulp, the most prestigious of which being the Yubari King Melon, an orange pulp melon. The three main regions known for their muskmelons are Ibaraki, Kumamoto, and Hokkaido.

Looking to try some of Japan's prized fruit flavors for yourself? Check out our May "Japanese Fruits" Monthly Bites Package, which includes familiar flavors like strawberry and yuzu while introducing lesser-known favorites like sudachi citrus!

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.