WHERE TO EAT

Best Spring Fruits in Japan: What Are They & Where To Try?

By Camilla Chandra
Updated: January 29, 2025

Japan might just be the only place where you can find square-shaped melons, white strawberries the size of golf balls and red-skinned mangoes that could cost you two (or even four) iPhones.

So, while spring in Japan always feels like a breath of fresh air, it’s especially so for chefs and foodies. During the colder autumn and winter months, hearty dishes like matsutake mushrooms, fugu puffer fish and root vegetables dominate the menu. 

But as the weather warms up, the lineup shifts — recipes begin to feature bright, crisp spring fruits, and fruit parlors display even more vibrant produce. These things tell you that fruits are back in season.

Curious about spring fruits in Japan? Keep on reading!

Find out more: The Definitive Guide to Japanese Fruits

Spring fruits in Japan

1. Strawberry 

Japan's famous white strawberries.

Source: Shutterstock, KT studio.

Strawberries, or ichigo in Japanese, have become the quintessential spring fruit not just in Japan but worldwide, as it is one of the first fruits to ripen after winter.

Strawberry season can begin as early as February.  What sets Japanese strawberries apart is their delicate, soft texture and a pronounced sweetness that balances out the typical tartness found in many other varieties. 

Japan cultivates over 300 types of strawberries, with some of the most sought-after varieties including the luxurious Amaou, often called the “King of Strawberries,” rare white strawberries and the Beni Hoppe. When it comes to production, Tochigi, Fukuoka and Kumamoto lead the market. 

The high standards placed on Japanese strawberries should tell you one thing: these are not the berries you toss into your daily smoothie.

Find out more: Spring Foods in Japan

2. Mikan

Bright orange mikan waiting to be plucked off a tree.

Source: Shutterstock, Jimmy Tran.

It's a good thing Japanese citrus fruits are often in season during the colder months — perfect for a vitamin C boost after the winter’s gloom.

One standout is the mikan, which may look like your everyday orange, but like many things in Japan, it’s anything but ordinary. This seedless mandarin has been grown in Japan for over 400 years, with Wakayama and Ehime Prefectures producing some of the finest varieties. In the US, you might recognize it as the Japanese mandarin or satsuma orange.

Harvested from September to March, mikan's flavor shifts with the seasons. The early fruits are tart and juicy, while those from October to December offer a balanced sweetness. By late winter and early spring (January to March), they reach their peak sweetness, offering the juiciest, most delightful bite.

Harvest your own mikan in Japan

 

You can even harvest your own mikan in Ehime Prefecture from beautiful farms in Yawatahama and explore the mountain-side terrace mikan farms, a Japan Agricultural Heritage Site!

3. Cherry

A bunch of juicy red cherries, ripe for picking.

Source: Shutterstock, Khun Ta.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the cherry blossoms at the park will eventually bear cherry fruit, here’s a little disappointment: most of those trees won’t actually produce cherries.

In fact, Japan’s sakuranbo (cherries) are mainly grown in Yamagata Prefecture, where the climate is just right for these delicate fruits. The short rainy season and surrounding mountains provide protection from typhoons, creating the perfect environment for sakuranbo to thrive.

Technically an early summer fruit, sakuranbo peak in June and July, though greenhouse-grown varieties can be found as early as January. Like Japan’s premium melons and oversized strawberries, cherries are considered luxury fruits, often produced in limited quantities. 

The most prized variety is the Sato Nishiki, first cultivated in 1928, known for its glossy red skin and exquisite sweetness.

4. Mango

Two gigantic, ripe mangos on a wooden plate.

Source: Shutterstock, NaturalBox.

Specifically, the Miyazaki mango. Available from April to August, these premium mangoes come from Japan’s top fruit-producing region, Miyazaki Prefecture, where abundant sunshine throughout the year creates the ideal environment for cultivation.

Unlike the common yellow-skinned varieties from Southeast Asia, Miyazaki mangoes stand out with their striking red skin, resembling that of an apple. 

However, these mangoes don’t simply bask in the sun; they are grown in greenhouses under strictly controlled conditions. Each mango is treated with such care that it’s encased in individual nets to avoid bruising and damage when they naturally fall from the tree. 

Out of all the premium mangoes, only a select few earn the prestigious title of “Egg of the Sun” (Taiyo no Tamago). To qualify, a mango must weigh at least 350 grams and boast a sugar content of 15%. 

These mangoes are known for their ultra-tender, non-fibrous texture and once you cut through their skin, you’ll discover a vibrant yellow flesh that’s absurdly sweet, creamy and juicy — almost like slicing through mousse.

5. Loquat 

Loquat, called biwa in Japan, waiting to harvested from a tree.

Source: Shutterstock, NattaPort.

Loquat is an evergreen fruit from a shrub-like tree that belongs to the same family as apples and pears. Native to China, where it’s called pipa, loquat is also a popular fruit in Japan, where it’s known as biwa due to its resemblance to the musical instrument. 

Loquats ripen from spring to summer, depending on the local climate. They thrive in warmer regions such as Minami Boso, Tateyama and Kyonan in Chiba Prefecture, located near the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula. Japan’s loquat production is second only to Nagasaki, with key cultivation areas in Kyushu and Shikoku.

6. Grapefruit

Two whole grapefruits and one sliced up in a bowl, topped with mint.

Source: Shutterstock, funny face.

Grapefruit is typically in season from April to May. While it may seem available year-round, this is mainly due to imported varieties. Domestic grapefruit, however, is considered a spring fruit. 

Known for its refreshing sweet-tart taste and crisp aftertaste, grapefruit is a favorite in the season. Varieties include Star Ruby, which gets its name from its red, juicy flesh, and Santa Maria, known for its yellow flesh and perfect balance of sourness and bitterness.

7. Hassaku citrus

Hassaku citrus on a tree, with an orange-yellow peel.

Source: Shutterstock, okimo.

Hassaku is a Japanese citrus hybrid between pomelo and mandarin, with pomelo-like characteristics. Native to Japan, Hassaku is known for its sweet, refreshing aroma. The fruit is round or oval, with a thin, bright yellow or orange skin. Its juicy flesh offers a delightful sweet-tart flavor, balanced by a moderate bitterness that makes it addictive.

Notable varieties include Beni Hassaku from Hiroshima Prefecture, which is characterized by its firm flesh, and Wase Hassaku, known for its crunchy texture and pronounced sourness.

Where to try spring fruits in Japan

1. Convenience store

A FamilyMart exterior with a strawberry Frappuccino promotion.

Source: Shutterstock, Ned Snowman.

For a convenient and delightful introduction to spring fruits — or spring fruit-inspired snacks — head to the nearest convenience store. These konbini (a term for convenience stores) excel in getting their hands on limited-edition, seasonally flavored treats.

From late January to February, red and pink posters signal the arrival of strawberry season. The confectionery shelves brim with strawberry-flavored financiers, madeleines, pound cake and roll cakes. Meanwhile, the dessert display fridge may feature creations like strawberry cream-filled mochi, real strawberry mochi and over-the-top themed cakes.

Now, whether you’re heading to Seven-Eleven, Family Mart or Lawson is entirely up to you. We know how passionate people get about their favorite konbini chain.

Find out more: Foods to Pick Up at a Japanese Convenience Store

2. Fruit parlors

A sundae filled with fruits; a grape is peeled to reveal its flesh.

Source: Shutterstock, okimo.

The name “fruit parlor” is as fancy as it sounds. These stores offer a chance to indulge in hyper-seasonal, top-tier fruits, often presented as extravagant desserts. Fruit parlors are typically managed directly by supermarkets or fruit wholesalers, making the distance between farm to table even closer. 

One of the classic offerings is the fruit parfait, where layers of cake, crunchy bits, cream and fresh fruits are stacked in eye-catching glasses. It's not uncommon to encounter over-the-top varieties, topped with towering layers of cake and mounds of cream so high that they seem to defy gravity.

A selection of fancy fruit sundaes at the Nangoku Fruit Parlor in Tenjin, Fukuoka.

You can find fancier fruit parlors in Ginza or head to any local dessert shop. One of our favorites is Nangoku Fruit Parlor in Tenjin, Fukuoka. This photogenic spot, run by the long-established Nangoku Fruits — operating since 1932 — has a dedicated “fruit sommelier” who handpicks the best fruit for their desserts. 

In the summer, they’re famous for their kakigori (shaved ice) made with Yatsugatake “Kuramoto Yatsuyoshi Natural Ice,” frozen using traditional methods to achieve a powdery, snow-like texture.

3. Supermarket

A selection of fruit for sale outside of a local Japanese supermarket.

Source: Shutterstock, Andy.LIU.

If you're after the actual fruit without the gimmicks — or need to pick up a luxurious gift for your Japanese friends or family — head to your local supermarket for in-season offerings. 

You'll likely spot a small display of ultra-premium fruits: perfectly ruby-red apples, glossy bunches of strawberries and plump muscat grapes that look like their sole purpose is to be hand-fed to Ancient Greece royalty. 

For the real deal, though, visit a department store and check out the fruit specialty shops. Don't be shocked by the hefty price tag — a pair of Yubari King melons, considered the epitome of luxury, can set you back around $30,000.

Now that you’ve got fruit on the mind, check out Tokyo’s best fruit sandwiches! Or prepare for a colder season with Tokyo’s warming winter foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruit is in season in Japan in spring?

In spring, fruits like strawberries, cherries and mikan (mandarin oranges) are in season in Japan.

What is Japan's famous fruit?

Japan is famous for its premium fruits like the Yubari King melon, Fuji apples and the luxurious Miyazaki mango.

Why do Japanese people give fruits as gifts?

In Japan, giving fruit as a gift is a gesture of respect, thoughtfulness and appreciation. The quality of the fruit represents the care and effort the giver has put into selecting it.
We strive to be as accurate as possible and keep up with the changing landscape of Japan's food and travel industries. If you spot any inaccuracies, please send a report.
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Camilla Chandra
Originally from Indonesia, Camilla now lives and works in Tokyo. She writes about the Japanese language, food, travel — and just about anything that connects readers to Japan. On weekends, she's either running her 15k around the Imperial Palace or checking out the city's latest exhibitions.
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