Kabocha Squash

かぼちゃ

Hokkaido accounts for about 55% of national production and is the dominant producer. Kagoshima and Nagasaki use early-season cultivation, bringing kabocha to market in spring. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E; widely used in simmered dishes, tempura, and soups

Taste & Texture

Floury texture with rich sweetness and a chestnut-like flavor. Western-type kabocha is especially sweet

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jun - Aug

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose firm-skinned specimens without cuts or dents.

  • For cut pieces, look for deep orange-yellow flesh and densely packed seeds, which indicate high sweetness.

How to Store

  • Whole kabocha can be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.

  • Cut pieces should have seeds and pulp removed, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated.

  • Blanched and frozen is convenient for later use.

Shelf life Whole: 2-3 months at room temperature; cut: 3-4 days refrigerated; 1 month frozen

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Sep ¥187/kg
BUSIEST Sep 11,934t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Oct ¥548/1kg
Most Expensive Aug ¥646/1kg

Annual Average

¥603/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

70% Domestic
Hokkaido56.1%
Kagoshima5.7%
Nagano4.9%
Ibaraki4.7%
Nagasaki3.3%
Others25.3%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
76,300
56.1%
2
7,730
5.7%
3
6,650
4.9%
4
6,440
4.7%
5
4,520
3.3%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Hokkaido
Kagoshima
Nagano
Ibaraki
Nagasaki

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥1,725 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Yokohama Kanagawa
¥2,453
2
Toyama Toyama
¥2,253
3
Saitama Saitama
¥2,235
4
Kyoto Kyoto
¥2,152
5
Tokyo Tokyo
¥2,087

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