Chiba Nanohana News (August 2022)

 Index

I. Festivals and Events 

I. Festivals and Events 

1) Try Juicy Chiba Pears 2022

Chiba Prefecture is the number one producer of pears in Japan! If you want to try pears that are perfectly ripe, we recommend visiting a farmer’s market or trying your hand at pear picking!

Ichikawa, Shiroi, Matsudo, Kamagaya, and Funabashi cities are among the major production areas within Chiba!

National Route 464, which runs through Omachi, Ichikawa, is called “Omachi Pear Highway.” When the harvest begins, many pear farmers open stores along the road, and the area is bustling with buyers while pears are in season.

In fact, the famous Nijusseiki, or“20^th Century” pear variety that’s known for being from Tottori Prefecture was actually a variety discovered in Matsudo City.

 

• Some of the main pear varieties grown in Chiba are Kosui, Hosui, Niitaka, Akizuki, Nijusseiki, Kaori, etc.

• Newsflash! Chiba Prefecture’s original new variety, Akimitsuki, debuted last year. The name “Akimitsuki” was chosen to express the joy and gratitude of farmers and buyers for pears that ripen like a full harvest moon. The fruit is characterized by its large size, soft and smooth flesh, abundant juice, full-flavored sweetness, and low acidity. It can also be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. The harvest season lasts from mid-September to early October.

 

Here are some farmer’s markets and pear-picking locations you can visit yourself!

Growing conditions are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

※Due to COVID-19, some locations have stopped pear picking. Please inquire in advance before visiting.

The birthplace of Nijusseiki, Matsudo City! (pear picking and sales)

Matsudo City is known as the birthplace of the Nijusseiki pear. Every year from early August to early October, pear orchard farmers in Matsudo sell directly to visitors and allow them to pick their own pears. Each orchard grows different pear varieties, so be sure to try and compare the different types when you visit.

• Period: early August to early October
• Price: 750 yen per kilogram (tax included, standard price for pear picking and direct sales), free admission
• Varieties: Kosui (early August), Hosui (mid-August), Nijusseiki (early September), Akizuki (early September), Kaori (mid-September), Niitaka (September-October)
• Contact: Matsudo City Tourism Pear Orchard Association
• TEL: 047-703-1100

※Closed on Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday, closed on the following Tuesday.

For more information, please visit the Matsudo City Tourism Association's website. (Japanese)

Kamagaya City Tourism and Agriculture Association

The history of pears in Kamagaya City dates back to the Meiji Era. The fruit trees and pear varieties from this historic pear-producing area are handled differently depending on the orchard. Please enjoy the wide variety of pears!

• Period: Saturday, August 20 to early October
• Price: All-you-can-eat – 1,000 yen for elementary school students and older, 600 yen for 3 years and older
• Contact: Kamagaya City Tourism and Agriculture Association
• TEL: 047-445-1141

For more information, please visit the Kamagaya City Tourism and Agriculture Association's website. (Japanese)

 

I. Festivals and Events