Melon

メロン

Ibaraki Prefecture ranks first nationally and is renowned for premium muskmelons. Hokkaido's Yubari melon is a nationally famous gift brand. Often given as a luxury summer gift; the flesh is rich in water, potassium, and beta-carotene

Taste & Texture

Rich sweetness and lush fragrance. Muskmelon has a refined, high-brix sweetness; Yubari melon is exceptionally juicy and intensely sweet

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jun - Jul

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • For netted varieties, choose ones with fine, even netting.

  • The fruit should feel heavy and smell fragrant.

  • A slight give when the blossom end is gently pressed indicates ripeness.

How to Store

  • Ripen unripe melons at room temperature.

  • Once ripe, refrigerate for 1-2 days before eating.

  • Wrap cut melon tightly and refrigerate.

Shelf life 2-3 days refrigerated after ripening; 1-2 days refrigerated once cut

* High ethylene producer — store separately from other produce.

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jun ¥480/kg
BUSIEST Jun 12,520t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Jul ¥894/1kg
Most Expensive May ¥1,151/1kg

Annual Average

¥992/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2025)

Production Ranking

Ibaraki29.6%
Kumamoto19.0%
Hokkaido15.3%
Yamagata7.7%
Aichi7.0%
Others21.3%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
37,500
29.6%
2
24,100
19.0%
3
19,400
15.3%
4
9,790
7.7%
5
8,890
7.0%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Ibaraki
Kumamoto
Hokkaido
Yamagata
Aichi

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥947 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Mito Ibaraki
¥3,757
2
Akita Akita
¥2,054
3
Kumamoto Kumamoto
¥1,977
4
Aomori Aomori
¥1,543
5
Yokohama Kanagawa
¥1,487

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