Fruits In Japanese – Complete Japanese Fruit Words and Vocabulary

Apple in the Japanese language is called 林檎 – Ringo (りんご). The Fuji variety of apples is especially famous in Japan as they are sweeter and crisper than other normal varieties of apples. Apples are expensive fruits available in Japanese supermarkets since they cost around 200-300 yen for each one. 

Oranges, or more specifically mandarins, are called Mikan (みかん) in Japan. You can also call them オレンジ (Orenji) since Japanese people are familiar with its English-inspired name. In Japan, oranges are available all year but the variety changes with the season. 

First, you have Japanese oranges called みかん(mikan), which are easy to peel and found in winter. Then you have another variety – bigger American oranges known as オレンジ (orenji). Some of these have seeds, while others are seedless. 

Another type of Orange in Japan is 小みかん。小 is “small” in the Japanese language, and as its name, they are small, cute, marble-sized with thin and easy-to-peel skin and sweet and juicy in taste. 

Grapes, or Budō (ぶどう) in Japanese, is not just fruit; it’s a treat. It’s called Gurēpu (グレープ) too. Japanese grapes are big, super juicy, so sweet and are next-level tasty. It is also one of the most expensive fruits in Japan as a single bunch may cost around 2,000 yen or more.

Watermelons – Suika (すいか) in the Japanese language – are like a summer tradition in Japan! If you visit parks or picnic spots during the summer, you will find families enjoying playing their classic game called Suikawari. It’s a funny game in which a player needs to split a watermelon with a stick while blindfolded. 

When we compare it with other fruits, watermelon seems to be a bit expensive, with a whole one costing around 2,000–3,000 yen. But don’t worry! Convenience stores and supermarkets also sell smaller 1/4 or 1/6 cut pieces for 200–400 yen.

The peach, also called momo (もも) in Japan, is one of the most famous and loved fruits among the Japanese people. They are especially available during the summer season. When you go to buy peaches in Japan, you may find them in several varieties, including white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed. Among other fruits, peaches are neither expensive nor cheap; a single peach can cost anywhere from 300 to 1000 yen. Also, after the season ends, they can be bought in canned form.

Yeah, cherry! Another premium fruit in Japan、 also called (さくらんぼ) – Sakuranbo. It is also known for its English-inspired name チェリー. Unlike larger cherries you might find in other countries, Japanese cherries are small and bright red. 

Plums, or Ume (梅) in Japanese, are part of Japanese culture. If you heard about tangy pickle umeboshi – うめぼし、yeah it is made with plum. Fresh plums are available in summer and after the season ends you can enjoy their other flavours in the form of umeboshi, dry plum or plum wine called (umeshu). 

Persimmon, or Kaki (柿), is a symbol of autumn in Japan. If you dislike persimmons for their astringent taste, welcome to Japan, where you can enjoy a different variety of persimmon called amagaki. These are sweet and taste like a mix of apricot and pumpkin. The other one, the astringent variety, known as shibugaki in Japan, is usually enjoyed in a candy-like dried form.

The remon (レモン) is the same lemon you love, though the Japanese name comes from its English pronunciation. In Japan, you can find only a few who are huge fans of lemon as the Japanese palate tends to lean more towards sweet flavours rather than tangy ones. But that does not mean that lemon is not used in Japanese cuisine. They are usually served with fried chicken (kara-age), spicy dish nabe (hot pot), a variety of drinks and dipping sauces. In Japan, fresh lemons are available in supermarkets, with a bag of 3-4 costing around 300–500 yen.

Citron or Yuzu (柚子) in the Japanese language is another citrus fruit in Japan. Unlike lemons or oranges, yuzu isn’t usually eaten on its own. Instead, its juice and peel are used to add a tangy flavour to soups, sauces, and desserts. Another interesting thing about citron in Japan is the yuzu bath. It’s a traditional Japanese hot bath (with floating yuzu) during the winter. Yuzu baths are also considered a guard against colds as they treat rough skin, warm the body, and relax the mind.

Blueberries are not native Japanese fruit but are increasingly popular. They are often imported or grown locally in very limited quantities. In Japan, they are used in desserts, jams, or eaten fresh as a snack. 

Pomegranates – called ざくろ (zakuro) in Japanese and considered another healthy food. But the bad news is that they are occasionally seen in speciality markets only. If you don’t find them in the offline market, you may try Amazon or other dedicated online fruit sellers. 

Figs – known as ichijiku (いちじく), in Japanese, are another popular fruit and are usually available in summer and early autumn in Japan. They are grown in many areas of Japan, including Aichi, Shizuoka, Wakayama, Fukuoka, and Miyagi Prefectures.  Japanese figs are often sweeter and softer compared to imported varieties and are usually eaten raw or used in dessert or as a filling for baked goods.

Papaya or パパイヤ are also grown in a very limited quantity in Japan and rarely found in Japanese supermarkets. Mainly Okinawa, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures grow papaya. But locally grown papaya accounts for only a small percentage of the demand. So you need to visit either a dedicated online fruit seller or an import market to buy papaya in Japan.