Shiitake Mushroom

生しいたけ

An indispensable mushroom in Japanese cuisine. Grown on logs or sawdust blocks, with two peak seasons in spring and autumn

Taste & Texture

Distinctive aroma and deep umami flavor. Heating increases guanylate, a key umami compound

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Mar - Nov

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose thick caps that aren't fully opened.

  • White, clean gills on the underside indicate freshness.

How to Store

  • Wrap in paper towels, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

  • Freezing actually enhances umami.

Shelf life 1 week refrigerated, 1 month frozen

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jun ¥905/kg
BUSIEST Dec 2,762t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest May ¥1,710/1kg
Most Expensive Jan ¥2,002/1kg

Annual Average

¥1,807/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

Tokushima11.4%
Iwate6.8%
Gunma6.2%
Akita5.9%
Hokkaido5.6%
Others64.1%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
7,200.3
11.4%
2
4,291.8
6.8%
3
3,912.4
6.2%
4
3,770.2
5.9%
5
3,561.7
5.6%

Source: Forestry Agency Special Forest Products Production Statistics (2023)