Gunma Prefecture is one of eastern Japan’s leading ume-producing regions and ranks among the country’s major producers of Japanese plums. Ume orchards account for approximately 40% of the prefecture’s total area devoted to fruit cultivation. Large-scale production is concentrated around the Haruna and Mino districts of Takasaki and the city of Annaka, with orchards spread across a wide area.
In spring, the region’s many ume groves are covered with beautiful blossoms, making them popular destinations for enjoying the seasonal scenery. The ume trees are cultivated not only for their flowers but also for their fruit, which is harvested in early summer and has become one of Gunma’s signature agricultural products.
Gunma grows a diverse range of ume varieties, including Shirokaga, Baigo, Nanko, and Orihime. Each variety differs in fruit size, flesh characteristics, and suitability for processing, allowing the plums to be used in a wide range of products.
The main harvest season is June. As early summer arrives, the green ume fruit reaches maturity for harvesting and is transformed into a variety of traditional products, including umeshu plum liqueur, ume juice, and umeboshi pickled plums.
Among the varieties grown in Gunma, Shirokaga is particularly important. It is said to account for around 60% of the ume produced in the prefecture and is considered one of the varieties most representative of Gunma’s green ume.
Shirokaga is known for its large, well-shaped fruit and substantial flesh. Its smooth flesh, refreshing aroma, and characteristic acidity make it especially suitable for producing a variety of processed ume products.
Gunma’s ume can be enjoyed in many forms rather than simply eaten fresh. Shirokaga in particular is widely used to make umeshu, ume juice, and umeboshi, thanks to its large fruit and firm flesh.
The refreshing fragrance and tartness of ume are especially appealing as the weather becomes warmer in early summer. Local producers also create a variety of ume-based drinks, sweets, and other processed foods.
Important ume-growing areas in Gunma include the Haruna and Mino districts of Takasaki and Annaka. In spring, the orchards are transformed by masses of delicate ume blossoms, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the seasonal landscape.
Ume is therefore closely connected with two different seasons in Gunma: spring for enjoying the blossoms and early summer for enjoying the fruit. The same orchards offer a changing landscape and food experience throughout the year.
Gunma’s ume are an early-summer specialty distinguished by the region’s large-scale production, diverse varieties, and high-quality fruit suitable for processing. Among them, Shirokaga has long been appreciated as one of the varieties that best represents Gunma’s green ume.
During the June harvest season, visitors can experience Gunma’s ume in many forms, from fragrant umeshu and refreshing ume juice to traditional umeboshi. A visit to one of Gunma’s famous ume-growing areas offers an opportunity to enjoy both the beautiful spring blossoms and the distinctive food culture created from the fruit that follows.
Peak season: June