In part one of this series, we checked out some of the amazing golden fruits you can try in Japan, such as the uniquely aromatic jabara from Wakayama and golden mangoes from Miyazaki. This time, let’s continue to explore more delicious fruits from Japan which you can enjoy during the summertime – and where you can find them!
6. Pears – Sweetness with a Crunch
Although pears are cultivated in several prefectures all over Japan, the top producers of Japanese pears (日本ナシ nihon nashi) are the prefectures of Chiba, Ibaraki and Tochigi in the Kanto region. You can find several varieties of these deliciously juicy fruits as summer comes to an end and autumn approaches, from as early as July to as late as November.
Pears in Japan are broadly classified into red pears (赤梨 aka-nashi) and green pears (青梨 ao-nashi). The more common red pears, such as the Kōsui (幸水) and Hōsui (豊水), have a beige or even reddish-tinted skin, and feels relatively rougher to the touch. However, their flesh is soft and very sweet. On the other hand, green pears such as Nijisseiki (二十世紀) generally looks rounder, and have a smoother and greener skin. Their light-textured flesh offers a great balance between sweetness and sourness.
The Nijisseiki Japanese pear was discovered in the Meiji period (1868–1912) in Chiba Prefecture. In present times, more than a third of the Nijisseiki produced in Japan comes from Tottori Prefecture in the Chūgoku region, making it a famous local specialty. Hidden within its yellowish-green skin is a crunchy flesh packed with juices of a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavours. Although it is harvested from late August to September, most Japanese pear farms in Tottori also grow other varieties, making fruit picking experiences available throughout the whole season.
Best times to enjoy: July to October
Main producing prefectures: Tottori, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi
7. Watermelon – The Juicy Thirst-Quenchers of Summer
What comes to mind when you hear watermelons? For the Japanese people, the most probable answer would be summer! This sweet and juicy thirst-quencher can be grown in both tropical and temperate climates, making it a common fruit around the world. Within Japan, they are grown in almost all prefectures across all regions and harvested in spring and summer, mostly from May to August.
Due to their high levels of cultivation, they come in all shapes, sizes, and even colours. For example, the Kin no Tamago (金のたまご) variety of watermelons from Shizuoka Prefecture has an ovate shape and a bright yellow skin, resembling a gigantic golden egg. You may have also sighted some uniquely-shaped watermelons from Japan on social media too, such as pyramid-shaped watermelons from Hokkaidō, cube-shaped watermelons from Kagawa and even watermelons from Shizuoka that have a human face!
In Ishikawa Prefecture, watermelon cultivators are scattered throughout the prefecture, with each farm specialising in their own techniques and producing different brands of watermelons. For example, the Kanazawa Suika (金沢すいか) is produced exclusively in the dunes of Kanazawa City and experiences large temperature differences daily in their growth, resulting in a firmer texture and stronger and sweetness. The Noto Suika (能登すいか) is grown in the red clay-like soil of the Noto Peninsula and has a good mix of crunch, sweetness and juice in its flesh. Regardless of the brand, watermelon cultivators of Ishikawa have mastered their craft over the years, making their sweet and crunchy watermelons a specialty of the prefecture.
Best times to enjoy: May to August
Main producing prefectures: Kumamoto, Chiba, Yamagata
8. Apple – The Pride of Aomori
Cultivated since the Meiji period, almost half of the apples produced in Japan belong to the Fuji (ふじ) variety, which has a firm yet sweet flesh. On top of that, almost 2,000 other varieties, including the Aomori-grown Tsugaru (つがる) and the green-skinned Ōrin (王林), are also cultivated in Japan. Although most varieties of apples grown domestically are harvested in the autumnal months from September to November, the harvested apples are preserved under controlled atmospheric conditions to maintain their freshness so they can be found on shelves all year round.
Apples are a prized specialty of Aomori Prefecture in the Tōhoku region, where more than 400,000 tons of apples are produced annually and accounts for more than 60% of Japan’s domestically-grown supply. What started out as three seedlings distributed from the government to Aomori Prefecture in 1875, has evolved into over 50 varieties, grown all over the prefecture. If you are visiting Aomori Prefecture during autumn, apple picking in Aomori Prefecture is definitely a must-try experience for all ages!
Best times to enjoy: September to January
Main producing prefectures: Aomori, Nagano
9. Cassis – Tart Goodness from the North
Blackcurrants, also known as cassis (カシス) or Kurosuguri (クロスグリ) in Japan, are native to northern Europe and Asia and are winter hardy plants. As such, they are usually planted in autumn or winter, and harvested in summer. In Japan, almost all domestically produced cassis are grown in the soils of the 3 northernmost prefectures of Japan; Aomori Prefecture tops the production charts with more than 70%, followed by Hokkaidō and Iwate. After growing through tough winters, the black, glossy pearls sprout from the blackcurrant bushes. These berries are then harvested, particularly in the months of July and August.
Cassis are also another specialty of Aomori Prefecture and are marketed as “Aomori Cassis” (あおもりカシス). Aomori Cassis has a delightful fragrance and an acidic taste. Farmers painstakingly handpick these delicate berries under scorching summer temperatures, and either freeze them quickly to preserve their freshness or process them into other products, such as juices. This allows the acidic goodness of cassis to be enjoyed all year round in various forms, such as jams, beverages and desserts. However, the best way to experience the fresh tart goodness of these berries is through fruit-picking activities, typically held in June and July.
Best times to enjoy: June to August
Main producing prefectures: Aomori, Hokkaidō
10. Cherries – Sweet Rubies from Yamagata
Cherries were first grown in Japan in the Meiji period, where they were brought in from countries such as America and France. Soon after that, cultivation spread and eventually concentrated in the northern region of Japan. Now, more than 75% of cherries grown in Japan are produced from Yamagata Prefecture of the Tōhoku region, earning it the title of the “Kingdom of Cherries” in Japan.
Cherry trees are comparatively difficult to cultivate, as they only grow in temperate climates, take years to grow, and are susceptible to damage. However, when these trees mature, their flowers bloom in spring and their fruits are harvested in the summer months of June and July. (By the way, although the ornamental cherry blossoms that crowds flock to view in Japan during April and May are of a different species from cherry trees, they both belong to the same family, Prunus.)
The Satō-nishiki (佐藤錦) variety has become synonymous with the typical Japanese cherry, offering a high quality mix of tartness and sweetness within its white flesh. You can often find these shiny rubies packed neatly in boxes on shelves in summer, as they are popular among the Japanese people as gifts and souvenirs. 70% of Yamagata’s cherry farms are dedicated to the production of the Satō-nishiki, making Yamagata Prefecture the place to be for cherry-picking during summer!
Best times to enjoy: June to July
Main producing prefectures: Yamagata, Hokkaidō
Celebrate Japan’s golden season with our “Golden Fruit Festival” Omiyage Snack Box!
This May, a golden opportunity awaits for you taste all of the fruits featured in this article, all in one place! As spring gives way to the golden glow of early summer, it’s a time of fresh beginnings and bountiful flavours. Celebrate this beautiful transition with our “Golden Fruit Festival” Omiyage Snack Box—a vibrant collection of fruit-filled treats that capture the energy of the changing seasons.
Japanese fruits are nothing short of extraordinary; from the tangy jabara of Wakayama to the sweet cassis of Aomori. Each fruit is symbolic of Japan’s dedication, innovation, and deep respect for nature. So the next time you are hunting for unique souvenirs or experiences in Japan, be sure to seek out these Japanese fruits and savour their deliciousness firsthand – it’s a true taste of Japan’s agricultural artistry. Happy fruit hunting!
