Japanese Department Store New Project Kicks Off June 20th! Fully Ripe, A.M. Picked Sato Nishiki Cherries from Yamagata Sold Exclusively in Akihabara and Nihonbashi

When traveling in Tokyo and looking for seasonal souvenirs that are more than just common snacks, keep an eye out for the Japanese department store's new initiative, "Direct from the Source! Fresh & Delicious Market" (産直 とれたて！美味いもの市). Starting June 20, 2026, Japanese department stores will begin selling fresh produce, seafood, and livestock directly from their production areas across Japan. The first featured product will be Yamagata Prefecture's representative cherry variety, Sato Nishiki.

Yamagata is a famous cherry-producing region in Japan, and the Sato Nishiki variety is popular for its balanced sweetness and tartness, as well as its beautiful color. This time, we are selling premium grade cherries that have been ripened on the tree and harvested in the early morning for quick shipment. The price is 990 yen excluding tax, and 1,069 yen including tax. For travelers, the advantage of this kind of plan is that they can buy seasonal fruits in convenient locations like Akihabara, Nihonbashi, and Omiya without having to travel all the way to the production area.

The first item is Yamagata Prefecture-produced Sato Nishiki.

Considered the representative fruit of early summer in Yamagata, Sato Nishiki boasts delicate flesh with an excellent balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a popular choice for gift boxes. The Sato Nishiki being sold this time is cultivated by producers in Yamagata Prefecture. The fruits are allowed to ripen to the perfect picking stage on the trees before being harvested in the morning and shipped, with a key focus on preserving their farm-fresh quality.

If you happen to be traveling in Japan in late June, instead of just buying cookies or chocolate, you can also incorporate seasonal fruits as a dessert during your trip. Cherries are small and can be eaten the same day, making them suitable for taking back to your hotel to share with friends. If you wish to bring them back to Taiwan, be sure to check the latest quarantine regulations for plants and animals and carrying rules in advance, and do not put them directly into your luggage.

Tokyo Main Store and Tokyo Skytree Town Store will start selling on 6/20, and Omiya Store will start selling on 6/27.

Sales locations are divided into three directly managed stores, with different start dates. Japan Department Store Food Hall is located in Akihabara and starts on June 20, 2026; Japan Department Store Nihonbashi Main Store also starts on June 20; Japan Department Store Omiya Store is located in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, and starts on June 27.

Because it's a limited quantity, it will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If your itinerary happens to include Akihabara or Nihonbashi, it's recommended to schedule it for an earlier time during the day. The Akihabara store is suitable for combining with exploring the Electric Town, anime shops, and walking around Okachimachi. The Nihonbashi Main Store can be visited along with Tokyo Station, COREDO, and the old town area of Nihonbashi. The Omiya store is suitable for travelers staying in Saitama or those traveling towards the Tohoku region by Shinkansen.

For 990 yen, you get a premium product, perfect for immediate consumption on your trip.

This Yamagata Prefecture-produced Sato Nishiki is priced at 990 yen before tax and 1,069 yen including tax, which is an initial special price. Compared to the high-priced fruit gift boxes commonly found in department store basements, this price is more suitable for travelers to enjoy on the same day. If you are staying at a business hotel, you can refrigerate it in your room before eating. If you are staying at an apartment-style accommodation, you can also enjoy it as a nighttime fruit snack along with convenience store desserts and tea.

Japanese department stores primarily feature foods, miscellaneous goods, and crafts from various regions of Japan. Therefore, in addition to Sato Nishiki cherries, you can also browse local seasonings, processed foods, and small items. If you're looking to buy Japanese souvenirs that aren't overly touristy, these curated shops are more likely to offer locally-themed products than large chain souvenir areas.

Sales Information

• Project Name: Farm Direct Fresh! Delicious Market
• First release product: Yamagata Prefecture produced Satonishiki
• Price: 990 yen (excluding tax), 1,069 yen (including tax)
• Sales method: Limited quantity, while supplies last.
• Japanese Department Store Food Hall: Starting June 20, 2026,https://www.nippon-dept.jp/shop/pages/shop_shokuhinkan.aspx
• Daimaru Department Store Nihonbashi Main Store: Starting June 20, 2026,https://www.nippon-dept.jp/shop/pages/shop_nihonbashi.aspx
• Nihon Department Store Omiya Store: Starts June 27, 2026https://www.nippon-dept.jp/shop/pages/shop_omiya.aspx

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This information is best suited for those planning a self-guided trip to Tokyo who want to include "seasonal Japanese fruits" in their itinerary. If you're already headed to Akihabara, the Japanese department store food hall is conveniently located. If you prefer a more mature Tokyo neighborhood, the Nihonbashi Main Store is a better fit for pairing with the Tokyo Station area. Cherries are best consumed relatively quickly after purchase; we recommend eating them the same day you buy them to experience the freshness of "picked this morning, delivered directly" quality.