Higashine Cherries (Yamagata): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

The fruit ripens in June; Satonishiki cherries are harvested from about mid-June to early July.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

Characteristics

Thanks to a climate and soil suited to cultivation and thorough control of growing methods and grading standards, the cherries are characterized by large fruit and an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity.

Link with the production area

This is the birthplace of Satonishiki, the finest cherry variety. Through growers' cultivation skills and efforts to improve quality, the area has become able to supply high-quality cherries widely and boasts the largest production in Japan. Community revitalization efforts built around cherries, led by Higashine City and spanning the whole region, have raised the profile of Higashine Cherries.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/j/shokusan/gi_act/register/0030/index.html) The English text is our translation of the Japanese original.

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Buy from the producer group (opens in a new tab)Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

Some shop links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Look for products clearly labeled “GI Higashine Sakuranbo.”

FAQ

Higashine Cherries are grown in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, and parts of neighboring municipalities. Higashine is the birthplace of the Satonishiki variety, and growers combine a favorable climate and soil with strict control of cultivation methods and grading. The cherries are large, with a well-balanced sweetness and tartness.

Higashine Cherries is produced in Higashine City and parts of neighboring municipalities, Yamagata Prefecture.

Higashine Cherries is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jun–Jul. The fruit ripens in June; Satonishiki cherries are harvested from about mid-June to early July.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation), online shops and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Higashine Cherries was registered as a Geographical Indication on April 21, 2017 (Registration No. 30). The registered producer group is 果樹王国ひがしね6次産業化推進協議会.