Cherry

さくらんぼ

A jewel-like fruit enjoyed only in early summer. Yamagata Prefecture accounts for about 70% of national production, with Higashine and Sagae cities as key producing areas. Sato Nishiki is the most popular Japanese cultivar, known for high sugar content. Its brief season and delicate nature make it a premium gift fruit

Taste & Texture

Well-balanced sweetness and moderate acidity with abundant juice. Sato Nishiki is particularly sweet and refined. The flesh is slightly firm with a pleasant snap. A seasonal flavor savored only in early summer

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jun - Jul

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose cherries with green, firmly attached stems and vivid red, glossy skin.

  • Plump and well-rounded fruits are preferable.

  • Avoid fruits with blemishes or discoloration.

How to Store

  • Highly perishable; consume as soon as possible after purchase.

  • To store, keep stems attached, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate in the vegetable compartment.

  • Do not wash before storing; rinse just before eating.

Shelf life 3-5 days refrigerated

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Aug ¥1848/kg
BUSIEST Jun 2,310t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Jul ¥4,280/1kg
Most Expensive Jun ¥4,759/1kg

Annual Average

¥4,759/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2025)

Production Ranking

Yamagata82.3%
Hokkaido9.3%
Yamanashi5.7%
Akita2.7%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
13,000
82.3%
2
1,470
9.3%
3
897
5.7%
4
420
2.7%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Yamagata
Hokkaido
Yamanashi
Akita