There's a reason it gets a special mention.
Japanese fruit is grown carefully, but it's noticeably more delicious (if expensive).
Learn more about the types of fruit available in Japan and when they're at their best.
Watermelon is a very popular summertime fruit, and people in Japan enjoy it with a sprinkle of salt, which helps emphasize its sweetness. They are usually sold in halves or slices, and wrapped in plastic. Japan also has unique watermelons, such as the square-shaped watermelon (grown in a case), and watermelons with yellow fruit.
Japanese peaches are extremely large, juicy, and tasty. There are mainly two kinds: Hakuto, which is a white peach, and Oh-Toh, which is a yellow peach. Yamanashi and Fukushima prefectures are where they harvest the most peaches. In Japan, people peel the skin before eating.
Grapes are one of the fruits in Japan considered to be gourmet, and can be extremely expensive. The most harvested type are the Kyoho grapes, which are very large and have a dark purple color. Other popular types are Delaware and Pione.
Asian pears, compared to Western pears are larger and spherical in size, and are juicy and crispy. They are mostly harvested in Chiba and Tottori prefectures. These pears are sometimes used as toppings on cold noodles eaten in the summer.
This is the most popular fruit eaten in the wintertime, and many people consume them by the box. Compared to other citrus fruits, tangerines are easy to peel with your fingers, and do not contain seeds. The prefectures that harvest the most are Wakayama and Ehime.
Japanese cherries are different from American cherries, and have a bright red color. Most cherries are harvested in Yamagata prefecture. Some of the most expensive kinds are harvested in a green house, and they go out on the market with a high price, earlier than regular cherries. These are sometimes called akai ho-seki, which means red gem.
The peak season is around late winter until springtime. This is also when strawberries are used to decorate cakes for Christmas (in Japan, people eat shortcake for Christmas). Japanese strawberries are incredibly large, sweet, and juicy.
Persimmons are a sweet, soft autumn fruit. Most persimmons sold nowadays are seedless, but you may want to check. You must peel the skin off before eating. If you pick the wrong ones off the tree, they may be astringent.
There are multiple brands for apples, and they are usually grown in the colder climates in the Northern part of Japan. They are very sweet and crispy.
Yuzu is a type of citrus fruit, high in aroma. It is often used in cuisines and desserts (hot or cold). It can also be put into a bathtub for enjoying its relaxing scent.
Melon is the most luxurious fruit of Japan, and are known to be very sweet and juicy. The prices vary depending on the brand. The most expensive type is the Musk melon, which has white web-like marks on the surface. You can find these for upwards of $100. The more affordable kinds are the Andes melon and Prince melon. The Prince melon does not have any marks on the surface, and is smooth.
(Photo Copyright: ©Yamagata Prefecture/©JNTO)