Story Taste Japan's autumn from branches heavy with fruit by JNTO on 01 August 2017
In early August, “nashi” Japanese pears start hitting the shelves in supermarkets and direct sales depots around Kumamoto Prefecture. Until the end of October, you can try five different variations of the juicy and crunchy fruit, such as “Kosui”, “Shurei”, “Hosui”, “Akizuki” and “Niitaka”. “Arao Jumbo Nashi” is the brand name of Niitaka nashi produced in Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto. As the name suggests, this very popular nashi variation can get as big as a baby’s head, and is characterized by a sweet taste, great texture and superb aroma.
Another place well known for its fruit is Nishiki Town in the south. So much fruit is grown here that it is also known as “Fruit Town”. Nashi, peaches, melons, strawberries and more have made Nishiki Town a very popular spot for fruit-picking and indeed a big part of its tourism-related activities consists of visiting its orchards and farms and hunting for the season’s bounty. Of course eating them as they come from the tree is best, but don’t neglect to try them in some local delicacies like ice creams and sorbets!
Arao Sightseeing Association
- Address
- 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City
- Website
- http://arao-kankou.jp/
- Phone
- 0968-57-9155
- Business hours
- 9:30-17:00
- Closed
- Mondays (or the following day if it falls on a national holiday)
-
Nishiki Town Tourism Association
- Address
- 1587 Ichibu, Nishiki-machi, Kuma District
- Website
- http://kumanago.jp/event/?mode=detail&id=430000001971
- Phone
- 0966-38-4419
- Business hours
- 8:30-17:00
- Closed
- Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays
