Harvest season has arrived for “Matsudo Pears,” the premium pears of Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. Direct sales and pick-your-own experiences will begin in early August at 41 orchards throughout the city.

Editor in Chief

2 months ago

The harvest season for “Matsudo Pears,” a specialty brand from Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, begins in early August.

“Matsudo Pears,” grown within the city and carefully cultivated to ripen fully on the tree and be picked fresh in the morning, are characterized by their juiciness, rich sweetness, and refreshing aftertaste. Although these rare pears are not commonly found in regular supermarkets, local farmers’ markets reportedly stock fresh pears harvested early that very morning.

In August, you can enjoy a variety of Matsudo pears, such as the sweet and tender “Kōsui” and the juicy “Hōsui”; in September, the “Nijūseiki,” known for its refined flavor and crisp texture; and toward the end of the season in October, the large “Shin-Taka,” among others.

Matsudo City is also the birthplace of “Nijisseiki,” one of Japan’s most representative pear varieties. Its origins date back to 1888, when a 13-year-old boy named Kaku-nosuke Matsudo happened to find a sapling in Ohashi Village (now Nijisseiki-ga-oka Nashimoto-cho) and raised it. National Route 464, lined with numerous pear orchards, is also known as the “Pear Road,” and every year many people visit to pick their own pears or shop at the farmers’ markets.

The Matsudo City Tourist Pear Orchard Association, which promotes the Matsudo pear brand, has a total of 41 member orchards (as of July 2026)—30 in the Takatsuka district and 11 in the Goka, Kanegasaku, and Rokumi districts—all of which sell their produce directly to customers. Admission to the orchards for the pick-your-own experience is free, and the standard price is approximately 1,000 yen per kilogram.

According to Mr. Yoshito Ishii, president of the federation and representative of “Mutsumi Ishii Pear Orchard,” this year’s crop has been blessed with moderate rainfall and strong sunlight, which have fully brought out its sweetness, resulting in an exceptionally delicious harvest. Visitors can sample and compare the different flavors, textures, and aromas that vary depending on the harvest timing and variety.