Lettuce

レタス

Nagano Prefecture accounts for about 35% of national production, centered on highland cultivation at 800-1200m elevation in summer. Ibaraki and Gunma prefectures supplement supply during the off-season from winter to spring. The most consumed leafy vegetable in Japan, used broadly in salads, burgers, ramen toppings, and more. At 95% water content, it is a very low-calorie ingredient

Taste & Texture

Juicy, crisp texture with a gentle sweetness. Primarily eaten raw, but can also be wilted in stir-fries or soups. Mild bitterness makes it easy to eat

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

May - Aug

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose a heavy head with tightly packed leaves.

  • Outer leaves should be fresh green; the cut base should be white and moist.

  • For leaf lettuce, select deeper-colored leaves.

How to Store

  • Cut out or scoop out the core, stuff the cavity with damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate in the vegetable compartment.

  • Removing the core extends shelf life.

  • For cut portions, wrap with plastic wrap and use promptly.

Shelf life Refrigerated: 5-7 days (whole), 2-3 days (cut)

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jul ¥131/kg
BUSIEST Jul 30,180t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Jun ¥332/1kg
Most Expensive Sep ¥612/1kg

Annual Average

¥480/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

99.9% Domestic
Nagano35.1%
Ibaraki16.2%
Gunma11.3%
Nagasaki6.8%
Shizuoka4.8%
Others25.8%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
181,500
35.1%
2
84,000
16.2%
3
58,200
11.3%
4
35,200
6.8%
5
24,700
4.8%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Nagano
Ibaraki
Gunma
Nagasaki
Shizuoka

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥2,722 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Tokyo Tokyo
¥3,588
2
Yokohama Kanagawa
¥3,523
3
Chiba Chiba
¥3,269
4
Kyoto Kyoto
¥3,144
5
Naha Okinawa
¥3,138

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