Shimeji Mushroom

しめじ

A familiar mushroom available year-round through factory cultivation. A versatile ingredient for stir-fries, stews, and pasta in both Japanese and Western cooking

Taste & Texture

Known for rich umami — a Japanese saying ranks its flavor alongside matsutake. Becomes firm and bouncy when cooked

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Oct - Nov

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose bunches with small, tightly packed caps and white, firm stems.

How to Store

  • Store in its package in the vegetable drawer.

  • Can be frozen after removing the base.

Shelf life 1 week refrigerated, 1 month frozen

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Aug ¥388/kg
BUSIEST Oct 3,234t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Aug ¥780/1kg
Most Expensive Jan ¥959/1kg

Annual Average

¥859/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

Nagano55.2%
Fukuoka18.8%
Kagawa6.0%
Niigata5.0%
Ibaraki3.6%
Others11.6%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
47,702.8
55.2%
2
16,230.8
18.8%
3
5,153.5
6.0%
4
4,307
5.0%
5
3,082
3.6%

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