Niigata Pears 洋なし

[updated. 2025.21.5]

The pears that are eaten are often Japanese pears in Japan. They had come from the west during the Edo period as an early fruit that gives it records and roots to the country and the prefecture of Niigata. Niigata is largely famous for its "Western Pear" varieties that lead people into eating all sorts of different pear varieties and potentially become pear lovers. It was used to promote the country as there were discoveries of certain european variations that thrived in certain areas that would change into Japan varieties through seedling cultivars. The seeds were planted in Niigata, becoming Niigata pear tree. While Niigata is known for its pears the first thing people become excited about is the variety called "Le Lectier". Historically Niigata Prefecture has been the one of the largest producer of Japanese & Western pears in Japan. Japanese pears are a fruit with deep ties to Niigata Prefecture, as they were once presented as tributes to the Edo Shogunate and many original Niigata varieties were born there, with over a dozen varieties still produced today for its distinct flavor.

Popular Pear Varieties in Niigata: Niigata's pear cultivation features both traditional and newly developed varieties, each with distinct characteristics and harvest periods.

Le Lectier: Introduced from France over a century ago, this European pear variety is cultivated almost exclusively in Niigata. Harvested in late November and available through December, Le Lectier pears are prized for their smooth texture, rich fragrance, and luxurious sweetness. ​

Kōsui (幸水): Harvested from early August, Kōsui pears are medium-sized with a reddish-brown skin. They are celebrated for their juicy flesh and balanced sweetness with mild acidity. [nipponfruit.co.jp]

Hōsui (豊水): Available from early September, Hōsui pears are slightly larger than Kōsui, featuring a similar skin tone. They offer a juicy bite with a harmonious blend of sweetness and a hint of tartness.

Akizuki (あきづき): This variety ripens in early September. Akizuki pears are notable for their large, round shape and smooth, reddish skin. They provide a crisp texture with rich sweetness and abundant juice. [en.the-niigata.jp]

Niitaka (新高): Harvested from early October, Niitaka pears are among the largest, often weighing over 500 grams. They have a firm texture with a mild, sweet flavor and are known for their impressive size and longevity in storage.

Why Pears in Niigata? Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its premium rice production, also boasts a rich history and favorable conditions for cultivating a diverse array of pears, known as nashi in Japanese. The region's climate, characterized by long daylight hours and significant temperature variations between day and night, coupled with well-drained sandy soils, creates an ideal environment for pear orchards. 

History of Pear Cultivation in Japan: Pear cultivation in Japan has deep historical roots, with records dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868). The commercial production of pears increased rapidly with the successive discoveries of the chance seedling cultivars 'Chojuro' and 'Nijisseiki' around 1890. Niigata, with its favorable climate and soil conditions, became one of the regions where these cultivars were successful in pear cultivation.

In 1949 (Showa 24), Niigata introduced the 'Shinsetsu' variety, a large winter pear resulting from a cross between Bansankichi (Red Pear) and Imamuraaki (Winter Variety). This variety is notable for its impressive size, often weighing around 1kg or more, and its ability to develop a mild, refreshing flavor after ripening.

A story passed down for 120 years is the story of  Western Pears of the Le Lectier variety tied to Shirone. In 1903,  a farmer from Ibasone Village, Nakakanbara District, (now Shirone, Minami Ward, Niigata City). Mr. Koike Sokichi, brought a sapling from France. At that time, Mr. Koike heard that pears were being traded at high prices in Russia, so he ordered about 30 varieties of pears from both inside and outside Japan and began cultivating them. However, because the cultivation method for pears was almost unknown in Japan, the expected harvest was not obtained, and cultivation steadily declined. Without Mr Koike it is unlikely that Niigata would have become so well known for its Pear Cultivation. (Le Lectier researcher Fujio Tsubokawa). Yukari Koike is one of the descendants of Sokichi and his part of his living legacy of Le Lectier Pears.

Le Lectier was popular as a dessert in high-class restaurants in the Furumachi area of ​​Niigata City, so it gave many people in Niigata a taste for pears, so pear desserts had quite the demand. It was also a red-light district, and was apparently a very popular fruit in the entertainment district. As many other western ingredients it helped shape the unique parts of Furumachi, so it is to no surprise there have been an abundant of desserts that have all come from the area, but with shops disappearing they could be lost to time. 

Ayano Kimura (NHK reporter and newscaster) would go on to show very delicious dishes made by 9 pettiseries for the promotion of Sanjo City (Niigata Prefecture) in collaboration with the Seasonal Fruit Festival (August 2024): Such as Le Lectier Shortcake" by INFINI depuis 2020, Le Lectier Eclairs, and Jardinfruit Le Lectier by Eclat des Jours. These dishes layed down the groundwork for what foodies were looking for in modern desserts made with pears from Niigata.

There are many ways to eat pears and a few ways that people have been eating it have been simple, but there are youth who are making the pear renewed through new ways of serving them. Those in pursuit of pears there is more to be learned as a member of the Niigata Fruit Tree Promotion Association. 

Sliced Pear: The most popular way of eating pears is as Pear Wedges, sliced pear is simple and easy to eat. The look of a sliced pear has a uniform crescent-shape cut with a pearly white that has hints of ivory-yellow and if they are starting to brown slightly it is from oxidation. It can range from creamy to crunchy and usually is moist and glistening from the juices of the fruit. 

Candied Pears: The appearance of candied pears is very delicious and it seems like something that could go viral on social media as Pomme d'Amour Tokyo did with Candy Apples. The pear has a unique shape that is distinct and being particular about the appearance and taste is important in differentiating it from other candied fruit. It is a great way for people to connect with farmers from Niigata and whole sellers to keep them available year-around. Niigata Pear Specialty Dishes that have been based on candied pears has been collected under a list called "Pera caramellata" which means Candied Pears in Italian: Plain (Candied Pear), Vanigliato Zucchero (Vanilla Bean Sugar), Affogato (Coffee Cream Glaze), Hachijin (Sado Sweet Sour Rum Pickled Persimmons Vinegar and Sugar, Echigo Hime Sugar), Matcha (Niigata Green Tea), Dauphin (Joetsu Fig Based berry blend), Yuki Remon'nashi (lemon pear with Yasuda milky taste). 

Notable Pear Orchards: Several areas and farms in Niigata are renowned for their pear cultivation: Shirone Area, Minami-ku, Niigata City: Historically significant for pear farming, Shirone is home to orchards like the Shirone Daigonashi Nakamura Tourist Orchard, the largest pear-picking orchard in the prefecture, offering varieties such as nashi and Le Lectier. ​

Seiro Town: Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Niigata City, Seiro is a leading fruit-producing area, known for its significant contributions to the region's pear production. ​[Japan Travel]

Farm Gents: A modestly sized nashi farm comprising about 10 fields with various nashi varieties. The farm sells its produce online and at several farmers' markets across Niigata City. ​[Edge of Niigata]

Le Verger Yamayo: A family-run orchard dedicated to cultivating Le Lectier pears, known for producing high-quality fruit and related products like pure pear juice. ​

OMOTENASHI NIPPON（おもてなしニッポン）

Unique Cultivation Techniques

Niigata's pear farmers employ specialized techniques to enhance fruit quality: Trellis Systems: Developed by Abe Gendayu from Echigo (now Niigata) in the 18th century, this method supports branches with trellises, allowing pears to grow larger and juicier. ​[TsukuBlog] Tree-Ripening and After-Ripening: Farms like SOJU Co., Ltd. allow nashi pears to fully ripen on the tree, while European Le Lectier pears undergo natural after-ripening to achieve optimal taste. ​[j-fec.com].

Niigata's dedication to pear cultivation, combined with its favorable climate and innovative farming practices, ensures a diverse and high-quality selection of pears that are celebrated both domestically and internationally.

Affordable Luxury Le Lectier Pears

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