Japan, with its four distinct seasons, offers a diverse array of fruits throughout the year. Each season comes with its unique selection of fruits.
For example, grapes are highly popular during autumn, while strawberries are best enjoyed in winter. To truly savor the flavors, it’s ideal to consume specific fruits during their peak seasons. Let’s explore the seasonal fruits that Japafans should look out for when visiting the country.
Seasonal Fruit Calendar in Japan
This calendar will guide you on the best seasonal fruits to buy and enjoy while traveling in Japan.
1. Winter
Winter in Japan (December–February) is a wonderful time to enjoy strawberries, apples, and mandarins.
Strawberries are particularly popular in Japan, with numerous varieties available in winter, such as Kagoshima Light Snow (あわゆき), Red Cheeks Shizuoka (紅ほっぺ), Young Girl Tochigi (とちおとめ), and Ichigosan Saga (いちごさん).
Japanese strawberries are renowned for their exceptional quality. Farmers pay close attention to their shape, size, color, and sugar content. Japanese strawberries are often graded and labeled with quality markers such as “Good,” “Superior,” or “Premium.”
Best fruits by month:
- December: Strawberries, pears, apples, mandarins
- January: Strawberries, apples, mandarins, domestic kiwis
- February: Strawberries, citrus varieties (Shiranui and Setoka), domestic kiwis
2. Spring
Spring in Japan lasts from late February to early April. During this season, you can still enjoy some winter fruits while finding a wider variety of citrus fruits.
Best fruits by month:
- February: Strawberries, citrus (Shiranui and Setoka), domestic kiwis
- March: Strawberries, mandarins, domestic kiwis
- April: Loquats (Biwa), watermelons, domestic kiwis
3. Summer
Summer peaks in Japan from June to August, offering the perfect time to indulge in watermelons, melons, and other seasonal delights.
Best fruits by month:
- May: Loquats (Biwa), watermelons, melons, Wenzhou mandarins
- June: Loquats, cherries, melons, watermelons, domestic mangoes
- July: Peaches, cantaloupes, watermelons, figs, domestic mangoes
- August: Melons, watermelons, peaches, grapes, figs
4. Autumn
Autumn in Japan (September–November) is marked by a variety of seasonal fruits such as Muscat grapes, persimmons, and Fuji apples.
Grapes like Kyoho, Delaware, and Muscadine are at their sweetest in August, making them perfect for wine production. Red Kaiji grapes are ideal for purchase from late August to mid-October, while Red Koshu grapes are best from mid-September to late October.
You may also encounter the rare Akebia fruit from the Tohoku region. This purple fruit is typically harvested two weeks before the start of autumn.
Best fruits by month:
- September: Persimmons, figs, pears, grapes, chestnuts, Akebia
- October: Persimmons, pears, Fuji apples, pomegranates, papayas, chestnuts
- November: Persimmons, pears, apples, mandarins
Why Should You Follow Japan’s Fruit Calendar?
By adhering to Japan’s seasonal fruit calendar, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful fruits at their peak and benefit from more affordable prices.
Each region in Japan produces unique fruit varieties influenced by its climate and terrain. With this calendar, you can savor the best seasonal fruits while exploring Japan.
