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Japan’s Largest Producer! Large, Sweet Tohoku Apples And Their Season

Tohoku Region, Japan’s Apple Producer

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Healthy and nutritious apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Japanese apples are known for their large size and sweetness.

Apple growing is best in a cool region with low rainfall. In Japan, the Tohoku area in particular is famous for apple cultivation. The top producer is Aomori, followed by Iwate, Akita, and Yamagata.

Fall-Winter is the Tohoku Apple Season

In Japan, a number of apple varieties appear on the market throughout the year. However, from September to January you will find apple picking offered at many farms.

World Famous Fuji Apples, Green Orin Apples, and Crunchy Tsugaru Apples

Many types of apples are cultivated all year long in Japan, but the following three Tohoku-grown apples are the most popular.


Half of Japan’s fruit production is of the internationally-renowned Fuji Apple. This fruit has a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors and a tasty texture. It is juicy and filling. You can find Fuji Apples throughout the year but their season is November through December.


The most popular green apple in Japan is the Orin Apple. It has a refreshing aroma and a sweet taste, with low acidity. Orin Apples are available year-round but they are in season from October to November.

Tsugaru Apples are slightly tough but also juicy, and are known for their crunchy bite. They contain a delicious balance of sweet and sour flavors. You can enjoy these apples from August to October.

Color and Weight Determine Taste

Choose an apple that has full color and shine, as an apple with a green bottom is not yet ripe. Hold the apple in your hand and feeling its heaviness is another point in figuring out the tastiness of the apple.

Tohoku’s Delicious Apple-Based Products

Many tasty apple-based items, like apple cider and apple-based confections, are also sold in Aomori and the Tohoku region. When you come to Tohoku, be sure to try apple picking and some of these delicious specialties!