Japanese Pear

A pear native to Japan, prized for its crisp texture and abundant juice. Chiba Prefecture ranks first nationally, with the Kanto region as the main producing area. Tottori's Nijisseiki variety is also renowned. Three cultivars—Kosui, Hosui, and Niitaka—account for the majority of domestic production

Taste & Texture

Characterized by crisp, juicy texture. Refined sweetness harmonizes with mild acidity and abundant juice. Sweetness intensity and aroma vary by cultivar

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Aug - Oct

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose pears that feel heavy for their size with glossy, taut skin.

  • The stem should be firm with no bruises or dents.

  • Uniform coloring characteristic of the cultivar indicates ripeness.

How to Store

  • Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator vegetable compartment.

  • Keep sealed as pears are sensitive to drying out.

  • Remove from refrigerator 1-2 hours before eating to enhance sweetness.

  • Keeps 2-3 days at room temperature.

Shelf life 1-2 weeks refrigerated, 2-3 days at room temperature

* High ethylene producer — store separately from other produce.

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Apr ¥219/kg
BUSIEST Aug 21,511t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Production Ranking

Chiba13.5%
Ibaraki11.7%
Tochigi9.5%
Fukushima8.3%
Tottori7.0%
Others50.1%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
22,400
13.5%
2
19,400
11.7%
3
15,800
9.5%
4
13,800
8.3%
5
11,700
7.0%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Chiba
Ibaraki
Tochigi
Fukushima
Tottori

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥1,889 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Tottori Tottori
¥8,846
2
Niigata Niigata
¥4,551
3
Utsunomiya Tochigi
¥4,248
4
Maebashi Gunma
¥3,997
5
Yamaguchi Yamaguchi
¥3,960

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)